Distribution characteristics, source analysis and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of Kuye River: A river in a typical energy and chemical industry zone

This study systematically analysed the distribution characteristics, sources and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Kuye River sediments in an energy and chemical industry base in northern Shaanxi, China. The results revealed the concentrations of 16 PAHs in the sediment ranged from 1090.04 to 32175.68 ng∙g − 1 dw, with the highest proportion of 4-rings PAHs; PMF revealed the main sources of PAHs were the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel, biomass combustion and traffic emissions. The total toxic equivalent concentration of BaP, risk quotient and life time carcinogenic risk of PAHs suggested the moderate to high contamination of PAHs. The higher ILCR indicated the ingestion of PAHs was the main way to impact public health, and children should be more susceptible to PAHs. This study could provide theoretical support for pollution prevention measures and ecological restoration strategies for rivers in energy and chemical areas.