In order to accurately characterize hazardous chemical exposure, analytical approaches are needed to identify the effects of natural or remediation processes on the bioavailable (freely dissolved) fraction of environmental contaminants. To address this need, we investigated coupling passive sampling (PS) technologies with ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation experiments to model polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and oxygenated PAH (OPAH) transformation processes in bioavailable mixtures. PS extracts were collected from coastal waters impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and a Superfund site in Portland, OR. PSD extracts were exposed to UVB alongside PAH standard solutions. The analytical approach captured a 20 to 100% reduction in PAH levels and simultaneous formation of several OPAHs, including 9,10-anthraquinone and 7,12-benz[a]anthracenequinone. Site specific trends in the extent of OPAH formation are discussed.  PSD-UV extracts were then incorporated into biological-based assays to further characterize the photo-induced toxicity of PAH/OPAH mixtures at contaminated sites.

Passive sampling coupled to UVB irradiation: A useful analytical approach for modeling toxic oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation in bioavailable mixtures

246th National Meeting (2013)

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