19 - Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Prevalence and Distribution in Sediments Surrounding the WestRock Papermill and Port Richmond of the York River, VA
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic organic compounds primarily derived from human activities such as fuel combustion, fossil fuel processing, and wood burning. These pollutants enter aquatic environments through atmospheric deposition, industrial discharge, and surface runoff, leading to their accumulation in sediments. The WestRock paper mill is located on the upper York River and immediately downstream from an important cargo terminal, making this an area of interest for potential PAH contamination.
An earlier 1998 study was conducted to assess PAH contamination at sites along the York River to identify areas most affected. The present work revisits several of the sites to evaluate changes in PAH prevalence and distribution. Sediment samples were collected from six sites along the York River, along with two water samples from the nearby Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified PAHs and their concentrations which were then linked to potential sources. Results show a wide range of PAHs present with 66 structures observed. Acenaphthylene was the most prevalent combustion PAH observed, with elevated concentrations of dimethylnaphthalene, fluoranthene, and chrysene. Total concentrations across the six sites ranged from 166 ng/g on the Mattaponi to 938 ng/g adjacent to WestRock on the Pamunkey. Although the distribution of observed PAH’s differed, total concentrations were within the range seen from the 1998 study at concentrations of 283 to 337 ng/g in suspended sediments. This comparison provides insight into long-term contamination trends and the potential influence of industrial activity and environmental factors on PAH distribution.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Nathan Maynard, Rodger Harvey
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Ocean and Earth Sciences
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Biogeochemistry | Oceanography
19 - Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Prevalence and Distribution in Sediments Surrounding the WestRock Papermill and Port Richmond of the York River, VA
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic organic compounds primarily derived from human activities such as fuel combustion, fossil fuel processing, and wood burning. These pollutants enter aquatic environments through atmospheric deposition, industrial discharge, and surface runoff, leading to their accumulation in sediments. The WestRock paper mill is located on the upper York River and immediately downstream from an important cargo terminal, making this an area of interest for potential PAH contamination.
An earlier 1998 study was conducted to assess PAH contamination at sites along the York River to identify areas most affected. The present work revisits several of the sites to evaluate changes in PAH prevalence and distribution. Sediment samples were collected from six sites along the York River, along with two water samples from the nearby Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified PAHs and their concentrations which were then linked to potential sources. Results show a wide range of PAHs present with 66 structures observed. Acenaphthylene was the most prevalent combustion PAH observed, with elevated concentrations of dimethylnaphthalene, fluoranthene, and chrysene. Total concentrations across the six sites ranged from 166 ng/g on the Mattaponi to 938 ng/g adjacent to WestRock on the Pamunkey. Although the distribution of observed PAH’s differed, total concentrations were within the range seen from the 1998 study at concentrations of 283 to 337 ng/g in suspended sediments. This comparison provides insight into long-term contamination trends and the potential influence of industrial activity and environmental factors on PAH distribution.