Vertical profiles of PAH concentrations in Narragansett Bay using passive samplers
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic pollutants introduced to the environment mostly through combustion, either of fossil fuels or grass and wood. These compounds are proven to reliably be detected using passive samplers such as polyethylene (PE). Studies have been done using PE to find PAHs in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, but none have looked throughout the water column, which this study accomplishes. PEs were deployed throughout Narragansett Bay, near the Providence River down to Block Island, to sample the atmosphere, surface water, intermediate depths, deep water, and sediment porewater PAH concentrations and gradients. The Conimicut Point atmosphere is a source of liquid fossil fuel PAHs to Narragansett Bay area, while the lower west passage atmosphere is a source of different PAHs to the water column at the GSO Dock site. The intermediate water and sediment porewater at Block Island have the same source as Conimicut Point water, but might be influenced by the west passage sources. Sediments are a secondary source of PAHs to the Narragansett Bay water, particularly in the northern part of the Bay.^
Subject Area
Chemical Oceanography
Recommended Citation
Shifra R Yonis,
"Vertical profiles of PAH concentrations in Narragansett Bay using passive samplers"
(2012).
Dissertations and Master's Theses (Campus Access).
Paper AAI1518909.
http://digitalcommons.uri.edu/dissertations/AAI1518909