Ecological Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in the Tigris River Water in Baghdad and Wasit Cities, Iraq

Five different sites along Tigris River from Baghdad to Wasit were examined for the concentrations, distribution, sources, and ecological risk levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The total concentrations of 16 PAHs in the five sample sites ranged from 117.25 μg/L to 327.09 μg/L. In addition, the isomer ratio indicate that the main sources of PAHs are combustion processes, such as burning fuel, coal, gasoline, and automobile emissions. All study sites needed particular caution since B(a)A and B(b)F demonstrated higher potential ecological harm than other PAHs, depending on the characteristics of RQ(NCs) > 1 and RQ(MPCs) < 1. Furthermore, an ecological risk assessment indicated moderate environmental concerns, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing PAH contamination monitoring.