Abstract:

Source apportionment of PAHs applied in the analysis of surface water was studied to control and eliminate water pollution. Comparing variable methods of source apportionment of PAHs, we analyzed and discussed the principle, characteristics and scope of the application of the methods that are usually divided into qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. The applications and results of source apportionment of PAHs in surface water and sediments were contrasted and analyzed. Then, the source of contaminations was also analyzed briefly. The results of the source apportionment indicate that PAHs in aquatic environment and sediments in inland region mainly come from the combustion of coal, wood, and other minerals. PAHs in coastal areas which are in aquatic and sedimentary environments are derived from petroleum and other combustion processes. Subsequently, PAHs in coastal areas are more obviously from petroleum compared with that in inland region.

Key words: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs), source identification, source apportionment, overlying water, sediment