Citation:

Benotti, M., L. Lefkovitz, AND M. Mills. Use of Passive Samplers to Determine the Source of Dissolved PAHs in the Ottawa River, Toledo, Ohio. Chapter 22, Scott Stout, Zhendi Wang (ed.), Oil Spill Environmental Forensics Case Studies. Elsevier, Shannon, Ireland, , 465-481, (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-804434-6.00022-7

Impact/Purpose:

As part of a larger study on the remedy effectiveness on the Ottawa River, (Ohio, USA), research was focused on the source of PAHs to water and sediment. Polyethylene passive samplers, or polyethylene devices (PEDs), were deployed and analyzed, along with whole water samples and surface sediment samples. This information is of interest to Regional and Program Office decision makers, States, and local affected communities.

Description:

As part of a larger study on the remedy effectiveness on the Ottawa River, (Ohio, USA), research was focused on the source of PAHs to water and sediment. Polyethylene passive samplers, or polyethylene devices (PEDs), were deployed and analyzed, along with whole water samples and surface sediment samples. Results show that dissolved PAH signatures transition from a pyrogenic signature in upriver locations within the area of study, likely stemming from creosote, to a more petrogenic/urban background signature in middle and downriver areas of the area of study, as a result of CSO discharge and historic sediment contamination. The forensic signature from whole water grab samples and surface sediment samples does not show this distinct transition; both exhibit more general urban background signatures throughout the study area. The ability for passive samplers to identify different dissolved (and therefore bioavailable) PAH sources, has significant implications for project design and data interpretation and sediment remediation sites, which are often driven by risk to biota and human receptors.

URLs/Downloads:

Record Details: