Forensic PAH Assessment of the Sydney Tar Ponds and the Surrounding Environment Using PAH Fingerprint Analysis

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the primary contaminant of concern at the remediated Sydney Tar Ponds, located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. PAHs have been identified in shallow marine sediments in Sydney Harbour and have historically been considered to be a result of effluents from the Tar Ponds. The purpose of this research was to develop PAH Fingerprints for soil and sediment samples from the Tar Ponds and the surrounding areas. The PAH Fingerprints were analyzed using six techniques to identify common sources of PAHS. Results indicate a common source of PAHs for Upstream Sediments, Urban Background Soils, Harbour Sediments and Coal Sediments. Based on activity at these sites, coal handling is likely the source of PAHs in these samples. Fingerprints in the Tar Ponds Sediments did not correlate with other samples, indicating a different source of PAHs, unrelated to the PAHs found in Sydney Harbour Sediments.