Spatial and seasonal variation of PAHs concentration in the Spreča river

Abstract

Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was conducted at three locations on the Spreča river during 2015: before Modrac lake, in the lake, and at the mouth of Spreča into the Bosna river. Eight EU-recommended PAHs were analyzed via HPLC with fluorescent detector after liquid-liquid extraction. The highest concentration was found for naphthalene. Concentration of all PAHs significantly varies during seasons and it was highest during the winter period. High level of naphthalene and fluoranthene comes from coal-mining area which is prior to Modrac lake and also from the soda drinks chemical industry further away from the lake.