Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Brackish Water and Sediments of Citarum Irrigation System, Pakis Jaya, Karawang, Indonesia

Abstract

Fifteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the sediments and brackish water of Citarum Irrigation System (CIS), Pakis Jaya, Karawang Regency. The samples were analyzed with liquid-liquid extraction for brackish water and Soxhlet Extraction for sediments. The final concentration of PAHs was determined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and the origins of PAHs were identified through diagnostic ratios method. The total PAH concentrations ranged from 1782 to 2386.88 ng/L in water and from 113 to 405 ng/g dry weight (dw) in sediments. The concentration of total PAHs in sediment was lower than the SQG effects range-low (3442 ng/g). High molecular weight of PAHs dominated both in sediments and water. The origins of PAHs in the sediment and water-based on diagnostic ratios were from petrogenic and pyrogenic sources including petroleum, petroleum combustion, and combustion of organic materials. Overall, environmental conditions in the Citarum irrigation system and its river mouth was moderate level of PAHs contamination.