Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface water and sediment along Euphrates River system: Occurrence, sources, ecological and health risk assessment

This study presented for the first time a comprehensive measurement campaign of 16 PAHs along the Euphrates River for five months, in both water and sediment samples. Our study revealed that the PAHs contamination increased along the flow direction due to the increasing non-point pollution and the return flows of agriculture. The 5-6 rings PAHs were dominant in water and sediment samples with an average of 42 % and 50 %, respectively. The diagnostic ratios of PAHs suggest that the pollution of these compounds originated mainly from petroleum product combustions. The carcinogenic PAHs formed 46 % and 55 % of the total measured compounds in water and sediment samples, respectively, which highlights potential ecological and human health risks. Based on sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), most sites exhibit an effect range between low and medium. The calculated incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for adult and children were in the 10- 2-10- 3 range, which is 3-6-fold higher than what was reported in the literature. These observations call for urgent attention from environmental authorities of countries sharing this key water source in Western Asia.

Automated summary

This study conducted a comprehensive measurement campaign of 16 PAHs along the Euphrates River for five months, examining water and sediment samples. The results showed that PAHs contamination increased along the flow direction, mainly due to non-point pollution and agricultural return flows. The dominant PAHs in both water and sediment samples were 5-6 rings PAHs, accounting for an average of 42% and 50% respectively. The pollution of these compounds originated mainly from petroleum product combustions according to the diagnostic ratios of PAHs. Carcinogenic PAHs constituted a significant portion of the total measured compounds in water and sediment samples, highlighting potential ecological and human health risks. The sediment quality guidelines indicated that most sites had effects ranging from low to medium. The calculated incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for adults and children was higher than what was reported in the literature, suggesting an urgent need for attention from environmental authorities in Western Asian countries sharing this important water source.