Evaluation of Volatile Organic Compounds and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons in Barker Reservoir in Houston, Texas after the 2017 Hurricane Harvey

Abstract

Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Barker Reservoir in Houston, Texas, United States is reported. Samples were collected within one week after the August 2017 Hurricane Harvey. Using a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometer, 4 VOCs and 13 PAHs were found in the Barker Reservoir. Concentrations of acetone, benzene, chloroform, and toluene were 1500, 380, 830, and 290 parts per million (ppm), respectively. Benzene and chloroform are classified as probable human carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Six PAHs including benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, chrysene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene are probable human carcinogens. The most concentrated PAH was acenaphthylene at 0.068 ppm, while the least one was fluoranthene at 0.00046 ppm. Results revealed water contaminants in Houston and its vicinities during the flooding season and served as references for water monitoring purposes in the future.