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Occurrence and distribution of semivolatile organic compounds in stream bed sediments, United States, 1992-95

By: , , and 
Edited by: Edward E. Little, Bruce M. Greenberg, and Aaron J. DeLonay
https://doi.org/10.1520/STP12158S

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Abstract

Bed-sediment samples from streams were collected from 443 sites in 19 major river basins during 1992-95 and analyzed for semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) to assess the occurrence and distribution of selected Hydrophobic contaminants. Forty SVOCs were detected in more than 5 percent of samples. Of these 40 SVOCs, 27 were polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 5 were azaarenes, 5 were phthalates, 2 were phenols, and 1 was a quinone. Statistically higher concentrations of the sum of PAHs, azaarenes, and phthalates were measured in samples from urban drainage basins in comparison to other land uses. The frequency of detection and concentrations of PAHs, azaarenes, and phthalates were highest in the northeastern part and lowest in the western part of the United States. Concentrations of the sum of PAHs and sum of phthalates had statistically significant, but weak, correlations with toxic releases to air, population density, and urban land use. Urban activities could be significant sources and the atmosphere could be a significant transport mechanism affecting the distribution of certain SVOCs.
Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Occurrence and distribution of semivolatile organic compounds in stream bed sediments, United States, 1992-95
Series number 1333
ISBN 978-0-8031-1485-2
DOI 10.1520/STP12158S
Volume 7
Year Published 1998
Language English
Publisher American Society for Testing and Materials
Publisher location West Conshohocken, PA
Description 15 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment: Seventh Volume
First page 105
Last page 119
Country United States
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