Assessment on the Health Risk of Low-Molecular-Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Surface Water of Lake Baiyangdian

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAHs in surface water of Lake Baiyangdian were determined to assess the potential health risk when using as drinking water for children and adults. The concentration of LMW PAHs in surface water were in the range of 77.26-760.16 ng L-1. Compared with similar results reported around the world, the level of LMW PAHs in this study was in the mid-range. The analysis of health risk indicated that risks from LMW PAHs in most part of the lake would not be risky to human health according to the acceptable risk level, while carcinogenic effects caused by LMW PAHs might occur if drinking water from Nanliuzhuang (NLZ), Shaochedian (SCD) and Laowangdian (LWD). Risks of LMW PAHs for children were apparently much higher than those caused by LMWs PAHs for adults.