Title: Accumulation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in some lichens of Garhwal Himalayas, India

Authors: Vertika Shukla, D.K. Upreti, D.K. Patel, Ranu Tripathi

Addresses: Lichenology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, UP, India. ' Lichenology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, UP, India. ' Analytical chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR), MG. Road, Lucknow 226001, UP, India. ' Analytical chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR), MG. Road, Lucknow 226001, UP, India

Abstract: Lichens collected from five different sites (11 localities) from Garhwal Himalayas, Uttaranchal, India, were analysed for individual Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). There was high spatial variability in the total PAH (ΣPAH) concentrations that ranged from 0.683 ppm to 33.72 ppm with an average concentration of 15.04 ± 12.853 (SD). To elucidate sources, six molecular indices (Fluo/Pyr, Phen/Anthr, Naph/Phen, Anthr/(Anthr+Phen), Fluo/(Fluo+Pyr), BaP/BghiP ratios) were used to determine the pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. Garhwal region receives input primarily from vehicular activity and wood combustion; therefore, it can be inferred that the main source of PAH could be pyrolytic.

Keywords: lichens; PAHs; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; India; pyrolytic sources.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2010.029695

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2010 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.104 - 113

Published online: 01 Dec 2009 *

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