PAH in contaminated sediment: review of suitability of PAH- components/groups for assessment of remediation needs

Summary

The Norwegian Environment Agency has described the purpose of review/study follows: It should be investigated which PAH components or PAH groups in contaminated sediments that are best suited to assess the need for remedial measures. In Norway limit values (marginal values/quality standards) are developed for a total of 16 PAH compounds in sediment and water. The limit values are based on knowledge of the toxicity of individual compounds, and acceptable exposure in the environment. In addition to the limit values for individual compounds, Norwegian environmental authorities operate with limit values for SUM PAH-16 in sediment. These limit values are based on excess concentrations (relative to background) and not ecotoxicological data. Risk assessment of PAH-contaminated sediments is done using all individual PAH components. However, SUM PAH-16 is used to assess the need for remedial actions in PAH-contaminated sediments. The purpose of this review/study has been to provide alternatives to SUM PAH 16 in the assessment of need for remedial measures in PAH-contaminated sediments, either using individual PAH-components or appropriate groups of PAHs. To this end, important criteria have been the risk for human health, risk of ecological effects or practical considerations with regard to “Vannforskriften” (Norwegian law on water).