Hrvatske vode, Vol. 32 No. 127, 2024.
Professional paper
Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the upper course of the Drava River
Anita Ptiček Siročić
orcid.org/0000-0001-6243-4638
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Geotehnički fakultet, Varaždin, Hrvatska
*
Dragana Dogančić
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Geotehnički fakultet, Varaždin, Hrvatska
Ivana Boltižar
; Zavod za javno zdravstvo Varaždinske županije, Varaždin, Hrvatska
Matilda Jurčević
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Geotehnički fakultet, Varaždin, Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Most frequently, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) enter surface waters through discharges of untreated urban wastewater, precipitation or due to incomplete combustion of organic matter. PAHs remain in the environment for a long time due to their inertness and chemical stability, and may cause carcinogenic disease in people and animals. Sample analyses were conducted at different locations on the Drava River in north-western Croatia, while PAH characterisation was performed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The results show low PAH concentrations not exceeding the limit values, with slight oscillations in concentrations. Although the water quality in included locations is presently satisfactory, regular measurements of PAH concentrations in surface waters is necessary due to their stability and capacity for long persistence in the environment.
Keywords
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); chromatography; mass spectrometry; surface waters; pollution
Hrčak ID:
326756
URI
Publication date:
2.4.2024.
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