Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and n-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania

Aurel Nuro; Bledar Kruja; Elda Marku; Krisa Tushe

Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and n-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania

Abstract

This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of petroleum-related hydrocarbons in surface waters from the Patos–Marinza area, which is the most important oil-producing regions in Albania. Surface water samples were collected in April 2026 from different water bodies (rivers, drainage channels, streams, etc), near Belin, Marinza and Zharrëz. Water samples were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-, m- and p-xylenes) and n-alkanes (C10-C26) using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID). The aim was to evaluate the level of hydrocarbon contamination in environmental matrices (water samples) and to identify the most impacted sites. In surface waters, total PAH concentrations ranged from 0.289 to 1.806 mg/L, total BTEX from 0.089 to 3.344 mg/L, and total n-alkanes from 0.222 to 1.557 mg/L. The higher contamination in water samples was found in Marinza, mainly due to elevated BTEX concentrations, especially benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene. The presence of BTEX, PAHs and n-alkanes in surface waters suggests mixed hydrocarbon contamination, likely associated with oil extraction, transport, runoff, atmospheric deposition and weathered petroleum residues. Surface waters were affected by recent inputs of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons because of hydrocarbon lower solubility in water. The findings highlight the need for continued monitoring, seasonal sampling, surface/groundwater and sediment assessment, and further ecological risk evaluation in the Patos–Marinza oilfield region.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The author has read, understood, and complied as applicable with the statement on "Ethical responsibilities of Authors" as found in the Instructions for Authors”.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Environmental Assessment and Monitoring

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Aurel Nuro ^*
0000-0003-1875-2430
Albania

Bledar Kruja
0009-0008-3518-4424
Albania

Elda Marku This is me
0000-0003-1199-8737
Albania

Krisa Tushe This is me
Albania

Publication Date

August 4, 2026

Submission Date

May 12, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 21 Number: 2

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA74CX27NY

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Nuro, A., Kruja, B., Marku, E., & Tushe, K. (2026). Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and n-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania. Journal of International Environmental Application and Science, 21(2), 73-81. https://izlik.org/JA74CX27NY

AMA

1.Nuro A, Kruja B, Marku E, Tushe K. Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and n-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania. J. Int. Environmental Application & Science. 2026;21(2):73-81. https://izlik.org/JA74CX27NY

Chicago

Nuro, Aurel, Bledar Kruja, Elda Marku, and Krisa Tushe. 2026. “Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and N-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania”. Journal of International Environmental Application and Science 21 (2): 73-81. https://izlik.org/JA74CX27NY.

EndNote

Nuro A, Kruja B, Marku E, Tushe K (August 1, 2026) Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and n-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania. Journal of International Environmental Application and Science 21 2 73–81.

IEEE

[1]A. Nuro, B. Kruja, E. Marku, and K. Tushe, “Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and n-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania”, J. Int. Environmental Application & Science, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 73–81, Aug. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA74CX27NY

ISNAD

Nuro, Aurel - Kruja, Bledar - Marku, Elda - Tushe, Krisa. “Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and N-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania”. Journal of International Environmental Application and Science 21/2 (August 1, 2026): 73-81. https://izlik.org/JA74CX27NY.

JAMA

1.Nuro A, Kruja B, Marku E, Tushe K. Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and n-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania. J. Int. Environmental Application & Science. 2026;21:73–81.

MLA

Nuro, Aurel, et al. “Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and N-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania”. Journal of International Environmental Application and Science, vol. 21, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 73-81, https://izlik.org/JA74CX27NY.

Vancouver

1.Aurel Nuro, Bledar Kruja, Elda Marku, Krisa Tushe. Occurrence and Distribution of PAHs, BTEX and n-Alkanes in Surface Waters from Patos–Marinza Oilfield, Albania. J. Int. Environmental Application & Science [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 1;21(2):73-81. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA74CX27NY