Characterization of PAH Sources in Sediments of the Thea Foss/Wheeler Osgood Waterways, Tacoma, Washington

Authors: Scott A. Stout1; Allen D. Uhler1; Stephen D. Emsbo-Mattingly1

Source: Soil and Sediment Contamination (formerly Journal of Soil Contamination), Volume 12, Number 6, November-December 2003 , pp. 815-834(20)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

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Abstract:

The character of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in sediments of the Thea Foss and Wheeler-Osgood Waterways in Tacoma, Washington, were investigated with the objective of determining the general source(s) of these compounds to the waterways. In this study, 42 near-surface sediment samples from the Waterways were collected and analyzed for their (1) concentration of 43 individual or groups of PAH, (2) total extractable hydrocarbon "fingerprint" and concentration, (3) grain size and (4) total organic carbon content. Analysis of the sediment data, including comparisons to standard reference materials, indicates that all but two samples contained PAH derived from a pyrogenic source(s), i.e., a non-petroleum source(s). The high concentrations and characteristic distributions of PAH in some sediment samples were consistent with the occurrence of manufactured gas plant (MGP) derived tar(s) or tar distillate(s), particularly in some sediments proximal to a historic MGP and tar distillate storage operation near the head of the Thea Foss Waterway. Most other sediment samples throughout the Waterways contained PAH distributions and concentration indicating (at least) a greater proportion of PAH are derived from urban runoff/fallout.

Keywords: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; coal tar; urban runoff; MGP

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/1058833031878474

Affiliations: 1: Battelle Memorial Institute, Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA

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