Seasonal variability of platinum, palladium and rhodium (PGE) levels in road dusts and roadside soils, perth, western australia

The emission of Platinum–group elements (PGE) from automobile catalytic converters has led to rapid increases in Pt, Pd and Rh concentrations in roadside media. This paper examines the temporal variability of PGE levels in road dusts and roadside soils on a seasonal basis over a 12 month period. Road dust and roadside soil samples were analysed by ICP–MS following microwave digestion and cation exchange. Concentrations of PGE in all road dust and roadside soil samples are elevated above local background concentrations with maximum levels of Pt?440 ng g^?1, Rh?91 ng g^?1 and Pd?440 ng g^?1. Systematic seasonal variations in PGE levels are observed in both sample types and the temporal distribution of PGE levels is affected by a number of factors including surface morphology and rainfall. PGE ratios in road dusts and soils are consistent with known catalytic converter composition throughout the sampling period indicating the PGE remain associated during mobilisation and transport.     

Survey of the Distribution and Time-Dependent Increase of Platinum-Group Element Accumulation Along Urban Roads in Ioannina (NW Greece)

The emission of platinum group elements (PGEs) from automobile catalytic converters has led to rapid increases in Pt, Pd, and Rh concentrations in roadside media. This article represents the first systematic study in Greece to assess PGE levels in road dust and roadside soil and their temporal variation on a seasonal basis over a 12-month period. Road dust and roadside soil samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry following microwave digestion. Concentrations of PGE in all samples were above the average upper crust values and local background levels, with maximum values of 306.4 ng/g Pt, 18.2 ng/g Pd, and 64.6 ng/g Rh in road dust and 225 ng/g Pt, 14.0 ng/g Pd, and 49.5 ng/g Rh in roadside soil. PGE ratios were not consistent with known catalytic converter composition throughout the sampling period reflecting the high emission of Rh from new catalytic converters. Spatial variations were influenced by various factors like driving style, matrix composition, diurnal change in traffic volume, and climatic conditions. With regard to seasonal variations, systematic changes in the temporal distribution of PGE levels were observed and followed a similar pattern between the two matrices. Except PGEs, Pb levels were determined, since it has been a typical indicator of vehicle-derived environmental lead pollution. The data indicate that despite the use of unleaded gasoline, traffic-related sources of Pb that induce levels above the local background have not been eliminated.

     

First Study of Anthropogenic Platinum Group Elements in Roadside Top-Soils in Athens, Greece

Concentrations of Pt and Pd in roadside top-soil samples, collected in May 2003, at four types of sites (urban, suburban, rural and highway) in the greater Athens area as well as concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe and Ca, were determined. Our results show high concentrations of “classic” (Pb, Cu, Zn) and “new” (Pt, Pd) traffic related elements in top-soils on a highway and a representative urban street in Athens. In the highway samples, the average concentrations of Pt and Pd were 141.1 and 125.9 ng/g respectively, while in the urban street samples they were 35% lower. In the samples of the rural and suburban roads the Pt and Pd levels were very low 2.0 and 1.4 ng/g respectively. These data show an increased accumulation of Pt and Pd in top-soils during the last decade as a result of the gradual increase in the use of vehicles with catalytic converters. The Pt:Pd ratios (average: 1.2) were consistent with known catalytic converters composition (1–2.5), suggesting that the common source of these metals is catalytic converters. The levels of the traffic related elements in suburban and rural roads were very low, suggesting the negligible impact from emission sources. Principal component, biplot and cluster analysis discriminated the traffic related metals from Fe, Mn and Ca, which are abundant in soils, related mainly to the soil parent materials.     

Anthropogenic emission of platinum-group elements into the environment

This work represents a summary of our test results over emissions of platinum-group elements (PGE) in soils, which were won in the context of an interdisciplinary research project on ‘ecological future research’ sponsored by the Hessian government. Directly related to this investigation was the time-dependent entry of concentrations of PGE in soils along roadsides, their further rise in control and the investigation of the geochemical behaviour of these metals regarding their solubility and mobility in the soil. Soil samples were taken along the motorways of Frankfurt-Wiesbaden (A66), Frankfurt-Mannheim (A5/A67/A6), and the A3 and A45 in the area of Hanau, and the PGE were examined here. The test results do not leave a doubt that the increased PGE contents in the soils in the direct environment of the motorway are to be attributed to motor vehicles with catalysts. In sections of the soil samples of Hanau, Ir and Ru are also seen to occur beside Pt, Pd and Rh. Since these items are not constituents of the catalyst, their origin is possibly due to emissions from the precious metal-processing industry in Hanau. The highest concentrations of PGE in the soil occur directly at the edge of the motorway and decrease with increasing distance from the motorway. The PGE emissions depend on traffic volume and driving characteristics. Based on Pt concentrations found in soils near roadsides and observed traffic volumes, automotive catalytic converters are estimated to emit an average of 270 ng/km. Currently, the Pt and Rh deposited behave immobile in soils. At present, Pt and Rh from catalytic converters present no danger to the groundwater. Although platinum does not represent an acute danger, due to its low concentrations in the environment at the present, this rise in concentration may necessitate the use of routine checks in the future.     

Isotopic composition of lead in soils and street dust in the Southeastern administrative district of Moscow

The content and isotope ratios of lead were studied in soils, street dust, and snow sampled in the Southeastern administrative district of Moscow. The relationships between the lead isotope ratios and the content of different lead compounds in soils were revealed. It was shown that isotope ratios for the total lead have low information values upon low levels of lead contamination. The contribution of technogenic lead compounds to the isotopic composition of lead increases in the following sequence: total lead < acid-soluble lead < mobile lead. The effect of emissions from thermal power stations and vehicles’ exhaust on the isotopic composition of lead in the street dust and soils was estimated.     

Heavy Metals and Arsenic in Soils and Street Dust of the Southeastern Administrative District of Moscow: Long-Term Data

Eurasian Soil Science - The soils and street dust of the Southeastern administrative district of Moscow were analyzed for chemical properties and the content of acid-soluble and mobile compounds of...     

Platinum-group and other traffic-related heavy metal contamination in road sediment, Guangzhou, China

Purpose

Human exposure to particulate matter emitted from on-road motor vehicles includes complex mixtures of heavy metals from tyres, brakes, part wear, and resuspended road sediment. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of 14 platinum-group and other traffic-related heavy metals in road sediment within the metropolitan area of Guangzhou, China, with a view to identifying their sources and assessing the extent of anthropogenic influence on heavy metal contamination of road sediment.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five samples of road sediment were collected. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, La, Ce, Mo, Cd, Pb, Ba, and Rh were measured by inductively coupled plasma?Cmass spectrometry. Pt and Pd were analyzed by isotopic dilution?Cinductively coupled plasma?Cmass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analysis and enrichment factor methods were employed to identify the sources of these heavy metals and to assess anthropogenic influences on their occurrence.

Results and discussion

The mean concentrations of Pt, Pd, Rh, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, La, Ce, Mo, Cd, Pb, and Ba in the road sediment samples were 68.24, 93.15, 23.85, 147.5, 712.3, 47.24, 177.5, 1254, 47.50, 96.62, 4.91, 3.00, 198.1, and 641.3?ng?g^?1, respectively. Very weak to significant linear positive correlations were found among the various heavy metals. The elemental composition of road sediment was dominated by five principal components. Three clusters were identified through cluster analysis, and enrichment factors were calculated relative to soils in China. The sources and degree of contamination of the heavy metals are discussed based on the results.

Conclusions

The mean concentrations of heavy metals are higher than background values, especially for Pt, Pd, Rh, Cd, and Zn. Four main sources are identified: (1) Pt, Pd, and Rh were derived from traffic sources; (2) La, Ce, Mn, and Ba were derived mainly from natural sources; (3) Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, and Pb showed mixed traffic-industry sources; and (4) Zn originated mainly from industrial sources. Enrichment factor analysis supported this source identification and further indicated that contamination of road sediment in Guangzhou is extremely high for Pt, Pd, and Rh; moderate to very high for Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Mo; and minimal for Cr, Ni, La, Ce, and Ba.     

Metal composition of soil,sediments, and urban dust and dirt samples from the Menomonee River Watershed,Wisconsin, U.S.A.

The Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents of the sand, silt, and clay fractions were determined for soils, urban street dust and bottom- and suspended-sediments sampled in the Menomonee River watershed, Wisconsin. The samples were dispersed by ultrasound prior to fractionation. The ultrasound dispersion avoids chemical contamination or alteration resulting from use of chemical dispersants and insures the dispersion of aggregates present in mechanically-sieved samples. Chemical analyses of fractionated samples were more precise than analyses of unfractionated samples in identifying areas in the watershed receiving pollutant inputs. Higher levels of Cr, Cu, Fe, and Ni were found in the coarser particles than in the finer particles of urban street dust samples. The Cd, Pb and Zn contents of some bottom and suspended sediments were greater than in the soils of the watershed. Contents of these metals were correlated significantly with each other in the clay-sized fraction of sediments but not in soils. The metal contents of sediments were largely controlled by vehicular emission.     

重庆市主城区街道地表物中重金属的污染特征

分析了重庆市主城区街道地表物的基本性质及As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Hg，Ni、Pb，Zn等元索的全置、模拟酸雨（pH4．5）的浸出量。结果表明：各功能区中街道地表物的自然组成均以中等粒径的为主；就元素而言，粒径越细对重金属的贡献率越高；就功能区而言．细粒径与中等粒径的颗粒对重金属贡献率较为接近。街道地表物呈碱性，有潜在的有机物污染。重庆市主城区街道地表物重金属元素含量有较大的差异，受人为活动干扰严重的重金属种类为Cr、Cd、Hg、Cu。内梅罗指数评价结果显示除Ni外，其他元素均有不同程度的污染，各功能区均受到重金属的严重污染。重庆市主城区街道地表物中的重金属只与其中的磷素含量显著正相关。     

宝鸡市街尘重金属元素含量及其环境风险分析

分析了宝鸡市街尘中重金属元素的含量,结果表明:宝鸡市街尘中Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、Cd、As和Hg的平均含量分别为123.2、408.4、715.1、126.7、5.5、19.8和1.1μg g-1。在工业区、交通区及商业区,除Cr和As略微高于陕西省土壤元素背景值(1.6~2.2倍),其他重金属元素均远远高于陕西省土壤元素背景值(5~64倍)。不同功能分区街尘中重金属元素含量存在显著差异,Hg在交通区含量最高,其他重金属元素均在工业区最高。地累积污染指数法的评价结果表明,宝鸡市街尘中除Cr和As的污染较轻外,其他重金属元素的污染均比较严重,尤其是Cu和Pb在工业区尤为突出。潜在生态风险指数法的评价结果表明,宝鸡市街尘中重金属元素的污染水平和生态危害达到了严重程度,其中,Cr和As属于中等污染,其他重金属元素达到了重度以上污染,Cu、Zn、Cr、As和Pb属于中等潜在生态危害,Hg和Cd达到严重潜在生态危害。     

不同城市功能区绿地土壤重金属分布及其生态风险评价

对山东中部某典型城市9个城市功能区64个绿地土壤样品中的Cu,Zn,Pb,Cd 4种重金属元素含量进行了测定,评价了土壤重金属污染特征及其生态风险。结果表明:各功能区绿地表层土壤Cu,Zn,Pb和Cd的平均含量均高于当地自然植被土壤背景值,已表现出富集状态,其中Cd平均含量超标严重;工业区、风景名胜区、商业区和居民区等绿地土壤污染程度居前;单因子污染评价表明,该市绿地土壤中Cu,Zn和Pb已处于潜在污染状态,而Cd已经处于重污染状态;综合污染评价研究表明,处于“中度污染”污染级别的绿地类型有工业绿地、商业区绿地、风景名胜区和居住区绿地,而且苗木生产区和道路绿地也接近“中度污染”级别;潜在生态危害评价表明,该市绿地土壤处于轻微生态风险,但Cd潜在生态危害指数已经处于中等生态风险;土壤中Cu-Zn,Cu-Cd,Pb-Cd显著相关,Cu-Pb,Zn-Cd极显著相关,重金属之间存在一定复合污染现象,表明这些重金属元素的来源可能相同。该市绿地土壤Cd污染的防治应该引起重视。     

三峡库区土壤营养元素分布特征研究

三峡移民工程中土地资源的合理规划利用需要建立在查清区域土壤营养元素背景及分布特征的基础之上,作者利用多目标地球化学调查方法,通过野外实地调查、大面积系统性采集土壤表层样品、测试分析、数理统计,探讨了三峡库区表层土壤中N、P、K、Ca、Mg、S、B、Fe、Mn、Mo、Cl等植物生长必需元素在不同土壤类型中的含量分布特征,以紫色土为例探讨了不同分布高度、不同坡度、不同植被条件对其元素含量分布的影响。结果表明:石灰土是营养元素最丰富的土壤,黄壤是营养元素最低的土壤。母岩对土壤元素分布影响明显,灰岩母岩区土壤营养元素最丰富,砂岩母质区土壤养分元素含量最低;同为碎屑岩类的泥岩、粉砂岩、杂砂岩、砂岩母岩区的土壤相比,泥岩类母岩区的土壤养分元素含量相对较高,粉砂岩母岩区土壤养分元素含量居于泥岩与砂岩母岩区土壤之间。随紫色土分布区地形坡度变化,紫色土Ca、Mg、K元素含量无规律性变化,但随地形坡度变缓,N、S、Mo含量明显增高,Fe、Mn、P含量有增高的趋势;随海拔高度降低,紫色土P、S含量增高,Mn、Mo含量有增高的趋势,而其他元素含量无规律性变化。紫色土在相同的母质、气候及相似的地貌条件下,植被覆盖类型不同,土壤中不同元素分异特征差异明显。总体来说,土壤类型是土壤元素分布的主要控制因素,不同土壤类型的元素含量差异十分显著;不同母质来源的土壤元素差异性显著;紫色土的元素分布除受土壤类型控制外,还受地形坡度、高度、植被条件等其他因素的影响,但不同元素受影响的因素及程度不同。     

Impact of an Urban Environment on Trace Element Concentrations in Domestically Produced Lettuce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactuca sativa L.</Emphasis>)

Urban horticulture is gaining more and more attention in the context of sustainable food supply. Yet, cities are exposed to (former) industrial activities and traffic, responsible for emission of contaminants. Trace elements were monitored in soils located in the urban environment of Ghent (Belgium) and 84 samples of Lactuca satica L. lettuce grown on it. The effects of cultivation in soil versus trays, neighbouring traffic and washing of the lettuce before consumption were studied. The 0–30 cm top layer of soils appeared heterogenic in composition and enriched in Co, Cd, Ni and Pb within 10 m from the nearest road. Yet, no similar elevated concentrations could be found in the crops, except for As. Besides uptake from the roots, the presence of trace elements in the plants is also caused by the atmospheric deposition of airborne particulate matter on the leaf surface. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that this latter transport pathway might particularly be the case for Pt, Pd and Rh. Concentrations of Cd did not exceed the 0.2 mg kg^?1 (fresh weight) threshold for Cd in leafy vegetables set by the European Commission. Measurements to reduce the health risks include the washing of lettuce, which effectively reduced the number of samples trespassing the maximum Pb level of 0.3 mg kg^?1 (fresh weight). Also, cultivation in trays resulted in a lower As content in the plants. Taking into account a vigilance on crop selection, cultivation substrate and proper washing before consumption are considered essential steps for safe domestic horticulture in urban environments.     

Research on the Components of Dust Fall in Hohhot in Comparison with Surface Soil Components in Different Lands of Inner Mongolia Plateau

The dust fall in a region is closely related to upwind sources. Dust fall from sandstorms has a strong influence on industry, agriculture, and daily life. Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is downwind of the Inner Mongolia Plateau and experiences frequent sandstorms during the spring monsoon season. This study investigated the relationship between dust fall in the Hohhot area and surface soils on the Inner Mongolia Plateau. Samples of dust fall from Hohhot and surface soils from the plateau were analyzed for major and trace elements. The SiO₂ content of dust fall from sandstorms differs from that of the plateau soils by only 2.77%, indicating that the main dust fall source for Hohhot is surface soils from the plateau. Dust samples from coal smoke, roads, and buildings were used for comparison. The As content in dust fall from sandstorms is greater than that found in the plateau soils and in dust from non-sandstorm days. This indicates that As is added to the sand during transport from the plateau by coal factories near Hohhot. The second most important dust source is traffic, as evidenced by Pb contents. Preventing erosion of sand upwind of Hohhot during the spring monsoon is key to improving and managing air quality in the Hohhot region. This can be accomplished through management of the farm grassland areas.     

Interactions between Essential Nutrients with Platinum Group Metals in Submerged Aquatic and Emergent Plants

Increasing environmental concentrations of platinum group metals (PGMs), in particular platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd), from catalytic converters has been reported worldwide. The impact of these three metals on the uptake and use of essential mineral nutrients was examined using two plant models: the submerged aquatic plant, Elodea canadensis, and the terrestrial emergent plant, Peltandra virginica. Plants were grown for 2 weeks in nutrient solutions with either Pt⁴⁺ at concentrations between 0.05 and 5 mg/L, or a 0.1 mg/L Pt⁴⁺, Rh³⁺, Pd²⁺ mixture. Some treatments received additional Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, or humic acid (with varying pH) to study how these conditions affected PGM uptake. Metal concentration analyses were conducted using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS) or an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP). Growth response was assessed through total chlorophyll content. There was significant Pt accumulation in plant tissues, from 55 to 326 times the concentration in nutrient solution. At pH 8, the addition of humic acid doubled Pt accumulation in comparison to the control. Additional exogenous minerals did not significantly affect PGM uptake, nor did the uptake of PGMs interfere with the uptake of Ca, Fe or Cu. Synthesis of chlorophyll in new shoots was not affected by Pt accumulation; however, visible chlorosis was observed in older shoots at 5 ppm Pt. Roadside Daucus carota samples from four heavy traffic locations in Dutchess County (New York) were also assessed for PGM content. Pt, Pd and Rh concentrations averaged 14.6, 10.2, and 0.7 μg/g, respectively.     

福建铁观音茶园土壤中铅、镉、砷、铬、汞、铜、氟的环境质量现状分析

为了解福建省铁观音茶园土壤中主要污染元素的含量状况及其对茶叶生产的影响, 采用野外调查和室内分析相结合的方法研究了福建省铁观音茶主产地安溪、华安和永春县150 个茶园土壤中铅、镉、砷、铬、汞、铜、氟的含量, 并进行了环境质量现状评价。结果表明, 所有土壤的镉、铅、氟含量, 97%以上土壤的铬、砷、汞含量均低于茶叶产地环境技术条件(NY/T 853—2004)中相应的限量; 92%以上土壤的镉、铬、砷、汞含量和70%以上土壤的铅含量低于有机茶产地环境条件(NY 5199—2002)中相应的限量。变质岩发育的土壤镉和氟含量较高, 砂岩类发育的土壤铬含量较高, 流纹质凝灰岩类发育的土壤铅含量较高, 流纹岩类发育的土壤砷含量较高, 闪长岩类发育的土壤汞和铜含量较高; 水稻土改种的茶园土壤镉、铅和汞含量较高, 铬和砷含量较低; 赤红壤发育的土壤中铅含量较高, 黄壤发育的土壤中铬和砷含量较高, 红壤发育的土壤中铜含量较高。就所研究的元素而言, 大部分供试茶园土壤是清洁和安全的。     

Trace element concentrations and background values in the arid soils of Hormozgan Province of southern Iran

Trace element concentrations in soils of arid regions of southern Iran are described to assess the concentration ranges of selected elements in a variety of soils and rocks, and to evaluate the potential bioavailability of trace elements in relation to soil properties. The study area was classified into three sub-regions consisting of (1) shale, gypsum, and limestone (western part), (2) igneous rocks and limestone (northern part), and (3) sandstone and limestone (eastern and northeastern part). The gained background values of trace elements were used for evaluating the quality and degree of contamination with native and also with anthropogenic elements of studied soils. Some soil samples indicated a significant enrichment for Pb and Ni, with an enrichment factor (EF) of around 6.0. Soils have only been cultivated for few years compared to hundreds and thousands of years for many agricultural soils; therefore, there has been less crop removal. Furthermore, soils are not highly weathered because they are in an arid climate with low precipitation, which results in a slow rate of weathering. However, slight elemental differences between soil horizons indicated that most soils are poorly developed and also represented the similarity of trace element contents between soils and parent materials.     

贵阳市乌当区不同母质发育的土壤理化性质和重金属含量差异研究

在贵阳市乌当区采集了9种母质（岩）上发育的土壤样品763个，分别测定了土壤的主要理化性质和主要重金属元素含量，通过对比分析表明不同母质（岩）发育的土壤理化性质和重金属含量都具有很大的差异。土壤理化性质的差异性主要表现为：石灰岩、红色粘土、老风化壳和页岩发育的土壤质地粘重。砂岩发育的土壤质地较轻，钙质紫色砂页岩、白云岩、砂页岩和河流冲积物发育的土壤质地适中；石灰岩、白云岩和钙质紫色砂页岩发育的土壤pH值为中性至微碱性。河流冲积物发育的土壤pH值为中性，其余5种母质（岩）发育的土壤pH值为酸性至强酸性；白云岩、钙质紫色砂页岩和河流冲积物发育的土壤有机质含量较高，而砂岩发育的土壤有机质含量较低，其余5种母质（岩）发育的土壤有机质含量介于二者之间；河流冲积物、石灰岩、白云岩和钙质紫色砂页岩等发育的土壤CEC较高，而砂岩发育的土壤CEC较低，其余4种母质（岩）发育的土壤CEC介于它们之间。土壤重金属含量差异性表现为：钙质紫色砂页岩、石灰岩、河流冲积物等发育的土壤中锅、铬、汞的含量较高。而红色粘土、河流冲积物和石灰岩等发育的土壤中铅和砷含量较高，砂岩发育的土壤中5种重金属元素的含量均为最低，其余母质（岩）发育的土壤中5种重金属元素的含量均介于上述之间。通过相关性分析结果表明：研究区域内土壤重金属镉、铬、汞、铅、砷的含量差异主要是由于成土母质（岩）的差异性所致，土壤理化性质的变化则是影响土壤重金属含量的次要因素。     

Geochemistry of Thorium and Uranium in Soils of the Southern Urals

Specific features of the horizontal and vertical distribution of uranium and thorium in soils and parent materials of the Southern Urals within the Bashkortostan Republic have been studied with the use of mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. The dependence of distribution patterns of these elements on the local environmental conditions is shown. A scale for soil evaluation according to the concentrations of uranium and thorium (mg/kg) is suggested: the low level, up to 3; medium, up to 9; high, up to 15; and very high, above 15 mg/kg. On the basis of to this scale, the ecological state of the soils is evaluated, and the schematic geochemical map of the region is compiled. The territory of Bashkortostan is subdivided into two parts according to the contents of radioactive elements in soils: the western part with distinct accumulation of uranium and the eastern part with predominant thorium accumulation. This finding supports the charriage (thrust fault) nature of the fault zone of the Southern Urals. The vertical distribution patterns of uranium and thorium in soils of the region are of the same character. The dependence between the contents of these two elements and rare-earth elements has been established. The results of this study are applied for assessing the ecological state of soils in the region.     

Occurence of PAHs in Various Elements of Environment in Zabrze (Upper Silesia,Poland)

The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution state of the chosen town (Zabrze) of Upper Silesia, the most industrialised region in Poland, was presented. Zabrze is a town of medium size, having population twenty times bigger than a medium town polulation in Poland. In this study we determined the qualitative and quantitative composition of PAHs fraction separated from the following elements of environment: suspended dust, drinking water, soil and sewage sludge. The following analytical techniques were used: Soxhlet Extraction, Solid Phase Extraction, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Capillary Gas Chromatography and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The results confirmed the significant state of examined region pollution. They stated the exceed of contents B(a)P in suspended dust. The soils in that place were heavily polluted with PAHs, about 4000 µg · kg-¹ for the sum of PAHs. The total contents of PAHs in sewage sludge of Zabrze did not exceed the analogous contents published for West European sewage sludge treatment plants and the level of determined PAHs in drinking water did not show any claims.