Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution of Lake Burley Griffin

Abstract

Aromatic hydrocarbons were measured in Lake Burley Griffin by fluorescence spectroscopy to gain an estimate of the pollution of the lake by petroleum hydrocarbons. Aromatic hydrocarbons are reported as equivalents of m-terphenyl (T) and chrysene (C). Observed concentrations are 0·3–2·2 μg/litre (T) and 0·1–0·5 μg/litre (C). Widespread distribution of fuel distillates is evident with only a small contribution from lubricating and heavier oils.