Paradoksy w unormowaniach prawnych dotyczących zawartości wielopierścieniowych węglowodorów aromatycznych (WWA) w wodach
Abstract
Paradoxes in regulations on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in water.
A b s t r a c t. The paper provides an analysis of current Polish regulations on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in water. The issue was also described in relation to international law. Inconsistency in regulations in terms of definitions of the sum of PAH is highlighted. The influence of PAH concentrations on the classification of water chemical status and the assessment of drinking water quality was analyzed based on the results of concentrations of six PAHs: benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(ah)anthracene, benzo(ghi)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene. The PAH concentrations were determined in 36 water samples, including 28 samples of spring water and eight samples of snowmelt. The results obtained for most of the samples revealed elevated concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene. The authors underline the fact that a separate assessment of benzo(a)pyrene, the sum of six PAHs, and the sum of four PAHs unveil inconsistency in water quality evaluation. The results also suggest that only benzo(a)pyrene should be considered in the classifications mentioned, since its determination gives the actual view on the water quality in terms of PAH concentrations. The assessments for the sum of six PAHs and four PAHs in accordance with existing regulations indicate higher quality classes, meaning a better water quality in comparison with the concentration of benzo(a)pyrene itself.
A b s t r a c t. The paper provides an analysis of current Polish regulations on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in water. The issue was also described in relation to international law. Inconsistency in regulations in terms of definitions of the sum of PAH is highlighted. The influence of PAH concentrations on the classification of water chemical status and the assessment of drinking water quality was analyzed based on the results of concentrations of six PAHs: benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(ah)anthracene, benzo(ghi)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene. The PAH concentrations were determined in 36 water samples, including 28 samples of spring water and eight samples of snowmelt. The results obtained for most of the samples revealed elevated concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene. The authors underline the fact that a separate assessment of benzo(a)pyrene, the sum of six PAHs, and the sum of four PAHs unveil inconsistency in water quality evaluation. The results also suggest that only benzo(a)pyrene should be considered in the classifications mentioned, since its determination gives the actual view on the water quality in terms of PAH concentrations. The assessments for the sum of six PAHs and four PAHs in accordance with existing regulations indicate higher quality classes, meaning a better water quality in comparison with the concentration of benzo(a)pyrene itself.