Carbon matrix as a surrogate measure for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution in road sediments

Abstract

The influence of road sediment on pollution prevalence was well documented. However, the accumulation rate of an organic matrix on impervious surfaces which could be used as a surrogate measure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) availability has not been given desired attention. This paper presents a first glimpse of the influence of consecutive dry days on the buildup of the organic matrix on a different road type, and how the most important measure of the organic matrix could be used as a precursor for the availability of PAH. The total organic carbon shows high variability between roads of different surface type and conditions. The role of road sweeping on inorganic and organic content of road deposits has also been discussed. The road deteriorating surface condition indicated a stronger correlation with carbon matrices deposit on road sediment, which is a vector for pollution courier on sealed surfaces