A study was conducted in an urban stream in Philadelphia to quantify tidal effects on the aqueous PAH concentration in the water column. Whole water samples were collected one foot below the water surface and one foot above the streambed at varying tides in one day.  The PAH concentrations in both water and suspended solids were analyzed using a standard procedure. The concentration of 2-ring PAHs found in the water phase near the sediments at low tide was considerably higher than at any other location and time. High concentrations of 3-ring PAHs were found near the surface during high tide.  The 4-and 5-ring PAH concentrations were highest during the falling and low tides near the sediments, but were relatively low and stable near the surface.  The study indicates that the PAHs in the stream water fluctuate due to tide-induced varying hydrodynamics.

Tidal effects on PAH concentration in the water column of an urban stream

244th National Meeting (2012)

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