Distribution and sources of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in suspended particulate matter in water from two Brazilian estuarine systems

• Published in: Continental shelf research Vol. 31; no. 10; pp. 1116 - 1127
• Main Authors: Maioli, Otávio L.G., Rodrigues, Kamila C., Knoppers, Bastiaan A., Azevedo, Débora A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-07-2011
• Subjects: Aliphatic hydrocarbon; Brazilian estuaries; PAHs; Petroleum biomarkers; Suspended particulate matter; Brazilian estuaries; PAHs; Petroleum biomarkers; Suspended particulate matter; Aliphatic hydrocarbon
• ISSN: 0278-4343; 1873-6955
• DOI: 10.1016/j.csr.2011.04.004

The levels of selected organic markers, including 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 16 of which are classified as priority pollutants by the US-EPA and perylene, aliphatic hydrocarbons (total and linear alkanes) and petroleum biomarkers (hopanes and steranes), were measured in suspended particulate matter (SPM) of the Mundaú–Manguaba estuarine-lagoon system (MMELS) in northeastern Brazil and the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) estuary in southeastern Brazil, both of which are affected by sugarcane agriculture and urbanization. A total of 33 surface water samples of SPM were collected (22 from the MMELS and 11 from the PSR). The ∑16PAH ranged from 221 to 1243
ng
g
−1 in the MMELS and from 228 to 1814
ng
g
−1 in the PSR. Hopane and sterane concentrations in the PSR were higher than in the MMELS due to the input from petrogenic sources in PSR. The contributions of higher plants were also observed by
n-alkane analyses. The PAH isomeric ratios indicated that the SPM from MMELS showed characteristics of combustion from biomass or petroleum and PSR was associated to petrogenic input, either from combustion or from unburned petroleum. Three sampling sites located near to the sugarcane plant and mouth of the rivers showed higher PAH concentrations and may largely be considered as highly contaminated. However, levels of
n-alkanes and petroleum biomarkers in both study areas were relatively low.
► Higher hopane and sterane in PSR confirmed intensive utilization of fossil fuels. ► PAH compositions indicated that combustion is the main source of PAH in MMELS. ► Phen could be associated to sugarcane residues launched in the estuarine systems. ► SPM revealed sugarcane impact directly at the sugarcane factory outlets.