Fluxes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to marine and lacustrine sediments in the northeastern United States

摘要: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were measured in dated sediment cores from several sites the northeastern United States (Lake Superior, Isle Royale, Somes Sound, Hadlock Lower Pond. Coburn Mountain Pond, and outer Boston Harbor). Fluxes of ten PAH for each site periods roughly corresponding to present, 1950, 1900. Remote consistently demonstrated present-day deliveries individual near 1 ng cm−2 yr−1, probably reflecting atmospheric fallout these combustion-derived pollutants. Sites located nearer urban centers showed much greater current inputs (average 35 yr−1 most PAH), presumably caused by PAH-laden particles their origins, augmented runoff delivery PAH-contaminated sediments. Differences relative abundances at remote-versus-urban locations support suggestions different mechanisms. The sedimentary historical records confirm previous finding that anthropogenic activities began introducing large quantities into environment about 80–100 years ago.