This study investigates the concentration, composition, and spatial distribution of PAHs in urban surface waters to identify their possible sources and assess contamination levels. Water samples were collected from multiple urban sites representing industrial, residential, and traffic-influenced areas. Analytical determination of PAHs was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total PAH concentrations varied significantly across sampling sites, with higher levels observed near industrial discharges and high-traffic zones. Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated mixed sources, primarily pyrogenic from fossil fuel combustion and petrogenic from oil spills and urban runoff. The spatial distribution patterns suggest that anthropogenic activities and hydrological conditions strongly influence PAH dispersion in surface waters. This study highlights the necessity of continuous monitoring and the implementation of effective urban water management strategies to mitigate PAH pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Article DOI: 10.62823/IJEMMASSS/7.3(III).8152