Ground water transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in association with humic substances in the Pinal Creek basin, Globe, Arizona
Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are present in groundwater in the Pinal Creek basin near Globe, Arizona. The maximum concentration of quantified PAH in samples from monitoring wells was 35 micrograms per liter. PAH contamination was found in a plume about 11 kilometers long. The source is probably in an area of active mining operations several kilometers upstream from the sample wells. Concentrations of quantified PAH in the aquifer decrease significantly as the pH rises above 4. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) decrease in the same area. The fractions of the DOC that decrease are predominantly dissolved humic substances (DHS). Analyses of the data indicate that partitioning of PAH onto DHS could be taking place and the removal of PAH could be controlled by the adsorption of DHS onto metal hydroxides.Type
textThesis-Reproduction (electronic)
Degree Name
M.S.Degree Level
mastersDegree Program
Graduate CollegeHydrology and Water Resources