Passive sampler-derived concentrations of PAHs in air and water along Brazilian mountain transects

The atmospheric deposition of semi-volatile organic compounds represents a potential threat to pristine mountains, in particular by persistent toxic substances which have high environmental mobility, potential for bioaccumulation and display toxic effects even at relative low concentrations. Low den...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Atmospheric pollution research Vol. 10; no. 2; pp. 635 - 641
Main Authors:	Meire, R.O., Khairy, M., Aldeman, Dave, Galvão, P.M.A., Torres, J.P.M., Malm, O., Lohmann, R.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier B.V 01-03-2019
Subjects:	Altitudinal transects Gaseous and dissolved PAHs Low density polyethylene (LDPE) passive samplers Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Tropical and subtropical mountains Altitudinal transects Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Low density polyethylene (LDPE) passive samplers Tropical and subtropical mountains Gaseous and dissolved PAHs
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Summary:	The atmospheric deposition of semi-volatile organic compounds represents a potential threat to pristine mountains, in particular by persistent toxic substances which have high environmental mobility, potential for bioaccumulation and display toxic effects even at relative low concentrations. Low density polyethylene passive samplers were deployed in upland surface waters and the overlying atmosphere in subtropical and tropical mountain regions in south and southeast Brazil, respectively, to determine the concentrations, transport and sources of freely dissolved and gaseous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) along altitudinal gradients. Gaseous PAH concentrations (0.70–90 ng m−3) were dominated by phenanthrene and fluorene, though methylnaphthalenes displayed high concentrations at upland sites. Fluoranthene and chrysene were the most frequently detected PAHs in shallow waters (10–110 pg L−1). Individual PAHs indicated a wood/grass combustion origin at both national parks due to current and historical man-made fires, with a minor petrogenic fingerprint, probably due to the proximity of highway traffic and touristic activities. A slightly increasing trend of 2–3 ring PAHs was observed along tropical elevation transect which may reflect long-range atmospheric transport of more volatile PAHs over tropical elevated altitudes. However, local PAH emission sources probably explain the opposite trend detected at subtropical elevation transect. [Display omitted] •LDPE passive samplers were deployed in waters and air to determine PAHs in mountain regions in Brazil.•Air (0.70–90 ng m−3) and water (10–110 pg L−1) concentrations of PAHs were comparable to mountainous regions worldwide.•PAH ratios indicate wood/grass combustion origins at both national parks due to historical fire events.•A mix input of LRAT combined with local PAH emission sources were observed along altitudinal transects.
ISSN:	1309-1042 1309-1042
DOI:	10.1016/j.apr.2018.10.012