| Title |
Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments of Multipurpose Artificial Lakes and Environmental Risk Assessment Based on the STE Method |
| Authors |
양윤모(Yang, Yunmo) ; 최명길(Choi, Myounggil) ; 최혜선(Choi, Hyeseon) ; 최희락(Choi, Heelak) ; 어성욱(Oa, Seongwook) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.15681/KSWE.2025.41.6.562 |
| Keywords |
Artificial reservoir; Environmental risk assessment; PAHs; Sediment; STE method; Water source |
| Abstract |
This study assessed the occurrence and environmental risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments of four multipurpose reservoirs (Daecheong, Yongdam, Buan, and Boryeong) in the Geum River basin, Korea, from 2015 to 2024. Sediment samples were analyzed for grain size, total organic carbon (TOC), loss on ignition (LOI), and 16 priority PAHs designated by the U.S. EPA. The mean concentrations of Σ16PAHs ranged from 110 to 186 μg/kg, with localized hot spots occasionally exceeding 500 μg/kg. High molecular weight PAHs accounted for more than 75% of the total, indicating dominant pyrogenic origins such as fossil fuel and biomass combustion. However, the correlation between PAHs and TOC, LOI, or grain size was generally weak, reflecting limited anthropogenic inputs in protected water source areas and possible dilution by agricultural organic matter. Using the STE (Spatial, Temporal, and Extent factor) method, eight PAHs showed meaningful risk scores. Naphthalene presented a “very high” risk, while Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Anthracene, and Benzo[a]pyrene indicated “high” risk. Some compounds not currently listed as national priority substances, such as Naphthalene and Fluorene, also exceeded PNEC thresholds, suggesting the need for re-evaluation of management priorities. These findings highlight that although overall PAH levels in drinking-water reservoirs are moderate, sporadic events and specific compounds pose potential ecological risks, underscoring the importance of long-term monitoring and refined risk-based management. |