Phase partitioning and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface water and sediments: A case of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

This study investigates the environmental distribution and origins of sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) within the surface water and sediment compartments of the Can Tho River network, a rapidly urbanizing region in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. The methodology involved an urban-rural gradient sampling approach, followed by liquid-liquid extraction for aqueous samples and ultrasonic-assisted extraction for sedimentary matrices. Quantification was performed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) with multiple reaction monitoring to ensure high selectivity. Analysis of samples from nineteen sites revealed distinct phase fractionation mechanisms. Low-molecular-weight (LMW) congeners, such as acenaphthylene and acenaphthene, predominantly occurred in the aqueous phase, correlating positively with biodegradable organic matter. Conversely, bottom sediments served

as a primary sink for high-molecular-weight (HMW) and carcinogenic compounds, including benzo[b]fluoranthene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene. Spatial analysis indicated a clear urban-rural dichotomy, with urban areas exhibiting pyrogenic signatures linked to vehicular emissions, while agricultural zones displayed a stable petrogenic background. These findings highlight the significant influence of urbanization on pollutant fate, providing crucial baseline data for environmental management strategies in tropical deltaic ecosystems.

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