| Abstract Title: | Development of a complimentary method to assess PAH and phthalate pollution in soil in the Bull Island Nature Reserve (A UNESCO Biosphere) |
| Abstract Type: | Poster |
| Session Choice: | Environmental Analysis of Soil |
| Presenter Name: | Mr Suman Kharel |
| Company/Organisation: | TE Laboratories |
| Country: | Ireland |
Abstract Information :
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hydrocarbons composed of a number of fused aromatic rings formed through incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of organic compound while phthalates are esters of phthalic acid added to synthesize plastics (Gan, Lau et al. 2009, Chai, Cheng et al. 2014). Both PAH and phthalates are persistent and ubiquitous in the environment; and both of them are of environmental concern due to their mutagenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic and toxic effects (Flowers, Rieth et al. 2002, Ren, Jin et al. 2016). 16 PAHs and 6 Phthalates are listed as priority pollutants by USEPA ("Toxic and Priority Pollutants Under the Clean Water Act | Effluent Guidelines | US EPA", 2017).
Since 1981 the North Bull Island is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve of world significance for its flora and fauna. Previously, it was the first Bird Sanctuary in Ireland (since 1931) ("Bull Island | Dublin City Council", 2017). The function of a biosphere comprises the protection of flora and fauna as well as their habitat including its natural resources like air, water and soil ("North Bull Island | Dublin City Council", 2017).
Our work concentrates on the development of complimentary methodologies for the simultaneous assessment of PAHs and phthalates in soil and sediments (from Bull Island). Additionally, the developed method will be applicable to other environmental and industrial needs, rapid and meet the regulatory requirements for routine analysis.
The study will also investigate whether the isotope ratios of PAHs and phthalates can be used to understand their source. This poster will outline the work done so far along with a framework for future work for such method development.
