Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Pahs)
Ambient Water Quality Criteria For Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks Province of British Columbia N. K. Nagpal, Ph.D. Water Quality Branch Water Management Division February, 1993 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author is indebted to the following individual and agencies for providing valuable comments during the preparation of this document. Dr. Ray Copes BC. Ministry of Health, Victoria, BC. Dr. G. R. Fox Environmental Protection Div., BC. MOELP, Victoria, BC. Mr. L. W. Pommen Water Quality Branch, BC. MOELP, Victoria, BC. Mr. R. J. Rocchini Water Quality Branch, BC. MOELP, Victoria, BC. Ms. Sherry Smith Eco-Health Branch, Conservation and Protection, Environment Canada, Hull, Quebec Mr. Scott Teed Eco-Health Branch, Conservation and Protection, Environment Canada, Hull, Quebec Ms. Bev Raymond Integrated Programs Branch, Inland Waters, Environment Canada, North Vancouver, BC. 1.0 INTRODUCTION Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds which are non- essential for the growth of plants, animals or humans; yet, they are ubiquitous in the environment. When present in sufficient quantity in the environment, certain PAHs are toxic and carcinogenic to plants, animals and humans. This document discusses the characteristics of PAHs and their effects on various water uses, which include drinking Ministry of Environment Water Protection and Sustainability Branch Mailing Address: Telephone: 250 387-9481 Environmental Sustainability PO Box 9362 Facsimile: 250 356-1202 and Strategic Policy Division Stn Prov Govt Website: www.gov.bc.ca/water Victoria BC V8W 9M2 water, aquatic life, wildlife, livestock watering, irrigation, recreation and aesthetics, and industrial water supplies. A significant portion of this document discusses the effects of PAHs upon aquatic life, due to its sensitivity to PAHs.
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