Combined fluorescent measurements, parallel factor analysis and GC-mass spectrometry in evaluating the photodegradation of PAHS in freshwater systems.

To better understand the transformation and photochemical fate of PAHs in aquatic environments, a custom-designed closed-circuit recirculation photodegradation system, combined with inline semi-continuous fluorescence and absorbance measurements, as well as modelling of excitation-emission (EEM) measurements with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), and GC-MS analysis, were combined to create a robust tool for holistically assessing the photodegradation of individual PAHs, their mixtures and photoproduct formation. Selected compounds included in the US EPA priority list, representing 2- to 6-ring compounds, were monitored individually and in mixtures, during 24 h photodegradation experiments. Experiments were conducted in solutions simulating ideal (ultrapure water) and environmentally relevant conditions (1.

Occurrence, distribution, spatio-temporal variability and source identification of n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and sediment from Loskop dam, South Africa.

In this study, the spatial and temporal variations in the levels of C8-C40 n-alkanes and 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment from Loskop Dam (Mpumalanga Province South Africa), were investigated between 2015 and 2017. In addition, their sources, which have not been well defined, were also studied over the period. This water body is sourced from a historically contaminated water body, the Olifants River, which flows through areas where a range of industrial and agricultural activities take place.