Source Apportionment of Hydrocarbons in Ghana's Coastal Sediments : Utilizing Hydrocarbons Ratios and Advanced Statistical Methods
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of hydrocarbon pollution in Ghana’s coastal sediments, with a focus on aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The primary objectives were to identify the sources of hydrocarbon pollution, assess its extent, and understand its im...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer Nature
2024
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/46972/1/49824cb2-3644-4d59-b9eb-0e9fd7c9608c.pdf http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/46972/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11270-024-07588-2 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-024-07588-2 |
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| Summary: | This study presents a comprehensive
analysis of hydrocarbon pollution in Ghana’s coastal
sediments, with a focus on aliphatic hydrocarbons
and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The primary
objectives were to identify the sources of hydrocarbon
pollution, assess its extent, and understand its implications for environmental management and policy.
A total of 15 samples were collected from 5 sampling spots. Soxhlet extraction technique was applied.
Analysis was conducted by gas chromatography/fame
ionization detector for aliphatic hydrocarbons and gas
chromatography/mass spectrometry for polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons. Isomeric ratios, such as the
carbon preference index, low molecular weight to high
molecular weight n-alkanes, etc., were used to infer
the sources of n-alkanes. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons diagnostic ratios, including Benzo[b+k]
fuoranthene/Benzo[a]pyrene, Phenanthrene/Anthracene, etc., were used to predict PAHs sources into
petrogenic and pyrogenic sources. The study also utilized statistical tools like principal component analysis-absolute principal component scores-multiple
linear regression for a detailed source appointment.
The type of aliphatic hydrocarbon detected in samples
ranged from C10H22 to C33H68. Concerning aliphatic
hydrocarbon, C21H44 has the highest average presence at 5.224 μg/kg of dry mass in sediment samples
whereas, C10H22 shows the lowest mean concentration
of 1.953 µg/kg of dry mass. The mean concentrations of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detected
in samples ranged from 0.544 µg/kg for Anthracene
to 2.168 µg/kg for Acenaphthene. Primary fndings
revealed a mix of petrogenic and pyrogenic sources
in the coastal sediments, evidenced by the varying
aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ratios. Notably, the presence of carcinogenic
PAHs highlighted potential health risks. The APCSMLR analysis identifed specifc sources infuencing
hydrocarbon pollution. These include crude oil, urban
runof, atmospheric deposition, etc. This research contributes to a better understanding of coastal sediment
pollution, serving as a foundation for future environmental policies and sustainable coastal management
strategies in Ghana. |
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