Occurrence, characterization, and ecological assessment of petroleum-related hydrocarbons on the shoreline of Fraser River Delta, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

The Fraser River Delta is a unique and dynamic region supporting the diverse ecosystems and habitats in the Canadian West Coast. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), n-alkanes, petroleum biomarkers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed for the intertidal sediments taken from the shorelines of the Delta area, British Columbia, Canada, to establish the baseline background data. Most of the sampling sites had low TPH (< 40 μg/g); only two samples had TPH from 100 to 150 μg/g. Mainly biogenic n-alkanes were present in all sites. Non-detectable to trace amounts of petroleum biomarkers were found at most sites. Mixed pyrogenic and petrogenic inputs contributed to the presence of PAHs at most sites. PAHs are not present in amounts anticipated negative effects to benthic organisms in all sampling sites, except that benzo (a) pyrene (BaP) from the upper intertidal zone (UIZ) of Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park may have possible adverse biological effects.

Keywords: Ecological assessment; Occurrence; Petroleum hydrocarbons; Shoreline, Fraser River Delta; Source apportionment.