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Investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) transport by suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the lower Columbia River and its estuary

ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

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Title Investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) transport by suspended
particulate matter (SPM) in the lower Columbia River and its estuary
Names Gregg, Tiffany (creator)
Prahl, Fredrick, G. (advisor)
Date Issued 2009-06-19 (iso8601)
Note Graduation date: 2010
Abstract This study aims to improve knowledge of how suspended particulate matter
(SPM) affects hydrophobic contaminant transport in the lower Columbia River and its
estuary, using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as model compounds. It is
hypothesized that PAHs are transported to the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM), a
prime feeding zone in the Columbia estuary, where organisms encounter and consume
contaminants adhered to particles as part of their diet. During a CMOP (Center for
Coastal Margin Observation and Protection) cruise aboard the RV Barnes in August
2007, water samples were collected from sites throughout this study region. In addition,
bi-monthly water samples were collected over a one-year period in coordination with the
USGS NASQAN program. The PAH content and composition was analyzed in all
samples and interpreted in perspective with the SPM concentration and particulate
organic carbon content of the SPM.
Results show that the dominant source of PAH to the study region is a
characteristic suite of compounds derived from high temperature combustion. Perylene,
a compound of yet to be determined natural origin, represents a PAH of comparable
quantitative significance. These compounds are transported via riverborne SPM to the
estuary and hydrodynamically trapped in the ETM with the trapping process operating
somewhat differently between the two sources. The concentration of individual
combustion PAHs measured in SPM from the Columbia River and its estuary exceed the
thresholds of concern stipulated by environmental protection policies. Surprisingly,
measured PAH levels are similar to those measured in other, far more industrialized river
and estuarine systems around the world.
Genre Thesis/Dissertation
Topic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Identifier http://hdl.handle.net/1957/12486

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