甜菜与牧草间作对多环芳烃污染土壤的修复作用

通过盆栽试验方法,选择经济作物甜菜和牧草类黑麦草、苏丹草、香根草为供试植物,研究了甜菜与3种牧草分别间作及各自单作对多环芳烃（PAHs）菲、荧蒽、芘和苯并[a]芘污染土壤修复作用。结果显示：经6个月连续两茬种植试验后,所有种植植物的处理中土壤PAHs的去除率均高于无植物种植组,间作种植土壤PAHs的去除率高于单作,黑麦草、苏丹草、香根草与甜菜间作对土壤PAHs的去除率分别达到84.85%、79.96%、84.11%;在土壤污染条件下,间作模式更有利于甜菜生长;种植植物增强了土壤中多酚氧化酶和过氧化氢酶的活性,间作模式下二者活性高于单作4.37%~43.07%,过氧化氢酶较多酚氧化酶对PAHs土壤污染更敏感,可作为关键酶用于评价土壤PAHs污染状况。在不影响农业生产的前提下,修复植物牧草和经济作物甜菜间作种植模式显著提高了土壤PAHs的降解率。     

中国南亚热带农业土壤中的多环芳烃

The contributions of persistent organic pollutants （POPs） from the subtropical regions of China to pollution of the global environment have been paid great attention; however, little is known about the state of POPs in agricultural ecosystems within these regions of China. This study primarily revealed the state of the contamination and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAH） in agricultural soils in the subtropical regions. 115 surface soils （0-20 cm） were sampled in the breadbaskets of these regions. The concentrations and types of PAH were determined using gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry （GC-MS）. The total PAH concentrations ranged from 22.1 to 1 256.9 ng g^-1 with a mean of 318.2 ± 148.2 ng g^-1. In general terms, the current PAH concentrations were lower than most PAH levels reported in a number of investigations from different countries and regions. PAH isomer ratios indicated that pyrolytic origins, such as fossil fuel combustion related to vehicle tail gas and industrial emissions, were the dominant sources of PAH in the southern subtropical areas of China. Although PAH concentrations decreased with decreasing pollution, population, and traffic density, to a great extent PAH compositions were similar throughout subtropical soils, with naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and benzo（b）fluoranthene being dominant.     

SYNOPSIS Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Soil — a Review

PAHs are mainly produced by combustion processes and consist of a number of toxic compounds. While the concentrations of individual PAHs in soil produced by natural processes (e.g., vegetation fires, volcanic exhalations) are estimated to be around 1—10 μg kg⁻¹, recently measured lowest concentrations are frequently 10 times higher. Organic horizons of forest soils and urban soils may even reach individual PAH concentrations of several 100 μg kg⁻¹. The PAH mixture in temperate soils is often dominated by benzofluoranthenes, chrysene, and fluoranthene. The few existing studies on tropical soils indicate that the PAH concentrations are relatively lower than in temperate soils for most compounds except for naphthalene, phenanthrene, and perylene suggesting the presence of unidentified PAH sources. PAHs accumulate in C‐rich topsoils, in the stemfoot area, at aggregate surfaces, and in the fine‐textured particle fractions, particularly the silt fraction. PAHs are mainly associated with soil organic matter (SOM) and soot‐like C. Although the water‐solubility of PAHs is low, they are encountered in the subsoil suggesting that they are transported in association with dissolved organic matter (DOM). The uptake of PAHs by plants is small. Most PAHs detected in plant tissue are from atmospheric deposition. However, earthworms bioaccumulate considerable amounts of PAHs in short periods. The reviewed work illustrates that there is a paucity of data on the global distribution of PAHs, particularly with respect to tropical and southern hemispheric regions. Reliable methods to characterize bioavailable PAH pools in soil still need to be developed.     

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in floodplain soils of the Mosel and Saar River

Background, Aim and Scope  Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have gained serious attention in the scientific community due to their persistence and toxic potential in the environment. PAHs may pose a risk to ecosystem health. Along the Mosel River/Germany, a tributary of the river Rhine, PAHs were found at significantly high concentrations (> 20 mg kg⁻¹, German national guideline value Z2, LAGA 1998). These high concentrations were detected during the construction of a storm water retention basin, in which the contaminated soils had to be removed and treated as hazardous waste. This resulted in higher construction costs for implementing flood prevention measures, but did not address the origin of these PAHs and its distribution along Mosel River. Hence, for future flood prevention projects, it is necessary to estimate the extent of PAH contamination along the Mosel River. The aim of the study is to determine the extent of PAH contamination in soils collected along Mosel and Saar River, and to obtain a first insight into the origin of the PAH contamination in this region. Materials and Methods  In total twenty seven sample sites were investigated. Forty two single samples were collected along a 167 km distance of Mosel River and six samples were collected along a 20 km distance of Saar River. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 to 2 m with a stainless steel corer (▫ 8 cm). Each 2 m sample was further separated into two sub-samples (0–1 m and 1–2 m). The sixteen EPA PAHs and three additional PAHs (1methylnaphthalene, 2methylnaphthalene and perylene) were analysed with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For soil characterisation, total organic carbon (TOC), grain size, microscope and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were performed. Results  Grain size for all soil samples was classified as a mixture of sand and silt. XRD analysis showed that all samples were dominated by quartz. Some clay minerals, such as illite and montmorillonite and feldspars, i.e. anorthoclase and orthoclase, were found in minor quantities. TOC ranged from 0.1% to 13%. Microscope analysis showed black coal particles in the majority of the soils collected from the Saar River and part of the Mosel River (downstream of the confluence of Saar and Mosel River). The black particles were not found further upstream along Mosel River. The sum of nineteen PAHs in the soil samples was up to 81 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight (dw). Most soil samples showed a relationship between the presence of coal particles and PAH concentrations. Discussion  Elevated PAH concentrations were found in all soil samples collected from Saar River and downstream Mosel River. Due to former coal mining activities in the Saarland, Germany, there is a strong evidence that the majority of the PAH contamination in the soils downstream Mosel River are linked to these mining activities. Upstream Mosel River coal particles were hardly found although PAH concentrations were high. Therefore another PAH source has to be responsible for these concentrations. PAH distribution patterns indicate a pyrogenic PAH input upstream Mosel River and a mixed input (petrogenic and pyrogenic) downstream Mosel River. Conclusions  Due to PAH distribution patterns, the contamination along the upstream of the Mosel River is probably linked to atmospheric depositions and other sources not linked to coal mining activities. Downstream Mosel River the PAH distribution patterns reflect former coal mining activities. We could corroborate for the first time that coal mining resulted in a serious problem of an extensive PAH contamination at Saar and Mosel River floodplain soils. Recommendations and Perspectives  Coal mining activities have a strong impact on the neighbouring regions (Johnson and Bustin 2006, Short et al. 1999, Stout et al. 2002). It is known that coals exhibit relative high PAH concentrations, especially in the low molecular weight PAHs (Chapman et al. 1996, Radke et al. 1990). However, PAHs in coals are hardly bioavailable (Chapman et al. 1996) and hence may have less adverse effects on exposed biota. They can act as sink for other hydrophobic contaminants. For the assessment of the environmental impact, a detailed study of the sorption and desorption behaviour of PAHs linked to coal particles should be carried out. ESS-Submission Editor: Dr. Ralph Portier (rportie@lsu.edu)     

多环芳烃在土壤中的环境行为研究进展

综述了土壤环境中多环芳烃(PAHs)来源及其进入环境后的行为和归宿,并提出多环芳烃污染土壤的修复对策。     

Changes in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Soil Biological Parameters in a Revegetated Coal Mine Spoil

Coal mining leads to severe land degradation and creates huge amounts of mine spoil. Coal mine spoil contains toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) derived from coal, which can be alleviated through revegetation with suitable tree species. The present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of different tree species (Albizia lebbeck , Cassia siamea , Delonix regia , and Dalbergia sissoo ) on the quality of coal mine spoil and changes in PAH concentration. Soil samples were collected from the revegetated coalmine overburden dumps of Jharia coalfield, Dhanbad, India and analysed by GC‐MS for 16 priority PAHs and soil quality parameters were analyzed by standard analytical protocols. Reclamation improved the biological properties of the mine spoil: microbial biomass (+59–176%), dehydrogenase activity (+46–198%), fluorescein diacetate hydrolase activity (+104–127%), phenol oxidase activity (+150–250%), and peroxidase activity (+93–181%). PAH concentration in revegetated mine spoil ranged from 0 · 51 to 1 · 35 mg kg⁻¹, with a significance reduction in total as well as individual PAHs. For individual tree species, total PAH reduction decreased in the order: C. siamea (81 · 6%) > A. lebbeck (55 · 6%) > D. regia (51 · 9%) > D. sissoo (51 · 5%). Correlation analysis showed significant association between the degradation of PAHs and soil biological properties of revegetated site. Microbial biomass carbon and soil enzymes were negatively correlated with PAH content in the mine spoil. But microbial stress indicators like respiration/microbial carbon ratio were not correlated, which revealed no adverse effect of PAH on soil microbes. Principal component analysis revealed that most of the biological parameters were closely associated with the degradation of low molecular weight PAHs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

生物表面活性剂强化微生物修复多环芳烃污染土壤的初探

通过温室盆栽实验,单独或联合接种多环芳烃专性降解菌(DB)和添加生物表面活性剂-鼠李糖脂(RH),研究了生物表面活性剂强化微生物修复多环芳烃(PAHs)长期污染土壤的效果。结果表明,添加RH和接种DB能明显促进土壤中PAHs总量和各组分PAHs的降解。经过90 d培养后,添加RH、DB和RH+DB处理的PAHs的降解率分别为21.3%、32.6%、36.0%,较对照分别提高了333.0%、563.3%、633.0%。此外,随着苯环数的增加,土壤中15种PAHs平均降解率逐渐降低。同时也发现DB、RH+DB处理土壤中脱氢酶活性、多酚氧化酶活性和PAHs降解菌数量显著高于CK、RH处理,但是CK与RH处理没有显著差异,说明DB、RH在促进土壤中PAHs的降解方面有不同的机制。     

大型海藻基生物炭中多环芳烃分布特征及毒性评价

研究大型海藻基生物炭中多环芳烃（Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons,PAHs）分布特征及毒性可为其资源化利用提供重要的依据。该研究利用索氏提取结合气相色谱质谱法分析了不同热解温度（200、300、400、500和600 ℃）的大型海藻（瓦氏马尾藻（Sagassum vachellianum）、羊栖菜（Sargassum fusiforme）、鼠尾藻（Sargassum thunbergii）、带形蜈蚣藻（Grateloupia turuturu）、粗枝软骨藻（Chondria crassicaulis）及孔石莼（Ulva pertusa））基生物炭中16种PAHs含量并对其毒性进行评价。结果表明,大型海藻基生物炭中均能检出PAHs（总量浓度为78.2～2 244.2 μg/kg）,且其生成量整体随热解温度升高先增加后降低。大型海藻基生物炭中PAHs含量均低于欧洲生物炭标准（European Biochar Certificate,EBC,10.1版）规定的EBC-AgroOrganic等级限量值（4±2）mg/kg。大型海藻基生物炭中PAHs以2环和3环为主,4环PAHs在所有生物炭中均存在,而5环和6环PAHs仅在部分生物炭中被检出。此外,不同大型海藻基生物炭呈现各异的苯并[a]芘毒性当量浓度（BaP- Toxic Equivalence Quantity, TEQBaP）（0.196～46.151 μg/kg）,其TEQBaP不仅依赖于生物炭中PAHs含量还与其环数和类型分布有关。在生物炭修复效果且潜在环境风险相近的基础上,结合产率及热解温度耗能,可选择热解温度较低的生物炭材料,为大型海藻基生物炭制备与应用的优化提供重要指导。     

淀粉对无芒雀麦修复煤矿区多环芳烃长期污染土壤的影响

采用温室盆栽试验,以无芒雀麦(W)为修复植物,研究淀粉(D)不同剂量与无芒雀麦组合对煤矿区多环芳烃(PAHs)长期污染农田土壤修复的影响。结果表明,在土壤中添加淀粉剂量D1、D2培养3个月后,显著促进了土著微生物对煤矿区长期污染农田土壤PAHs的降解。D1、D2处理土壤中16种PAHs总量降解率(16.82%,19.06%)分别比对照CK(11.12%)提高了51.26%和71.40%,尤其对6环PAHs的降解增效最为突出。D2处理对6环PAHs的降解达最高,为37.05%,比CK处理提高了241.01%,且为D1处理的1.77倍。在污染土壤中添加淀粉并种植无芒雀麦(D1+W,D2+W)后,与对照CK、淀粉(D)和种植无芒雀麦单一处理(W)相比,土壤中16种PAHs总量降解率有了明显增加,D1+W与D2+W处理下16种PAHs降解率分别为26.26%和28.39%;在PAHs不同环数中对5,6环PAHs的修复效果提升最为明显,对其它环数PAHs降解效果提升不显著,其中5环和6环PAHs降解率在D2+W组合处理下达到最高,为48.63%和58.32%,比CK处理提高了110.36%和436.82%,比无芒雀麦单一处理提高了27.50%和47.77%。从土壤酶活性角度,淀粉、无芒雀麦单一处理及其组合下的土壤过氧化氢酶活性差异不明显,但均显著高于对照CK处理;无芒雀麦对多酚氧化酶活性有明显的激活作用,且与淀粉组合进一步显著提升了该酶的活性,与D1+W与D2+W组合下的5,6环PAHs降解率达最高相一致。综上,利用淀粉与无芒雀麦的优化组合形式能明显提升煤矿区5,6环PAHs长期污染农田土壤的修复效果,可以作为该区污染土壤修复治理的一种选择。     

多环芳烃污染土壤的植物-微生物联合修复初探

在温室盆栽条件下,通过种植紫花苜蓿单独或联合接种菌根真菌(Glomus caledonium L.)(AM)和多环芳烃专性降解菌(DB),研究了利用植物-微生物强化修复多环芳烃(PAHs)长期污染土壤的效果。试验结果表明,接种菌根真菌和PAHs专性降解菌能促进紫花苜蓿的生长和土壤中PAHs的降解。经过90天修复试验,种植紫花苜蓿接种AM、DB和DB+AM处理的PAHs的降解率分别为47.9%、49.6%、60.1%,均高于只种植紫花苜蓿的对照处理(CK)(21.7%)。另外,随着PAHs苯环数的增加,其平均降解率逐渐降低,但是接种PAHs专性降解菌能够提高4环和5环PAHs的降解率。同时也发现土壤中脱氢酶活性和PAHs降解菌数量越高的处理,土壤PAHs的降解率也越高,这也是种植紫花苜蓿接种微生物能够有效促进土壤PAHs降解的原因。     

Geochemistry and geochemical differentiation on major elements in selected peat bog profiles (south-east of Poland)

Abstract

The geochemical differentiation of major elements in various peat bog profiles from Bieszczady Mountains Region (south-east of Poland) was compared to its botanical origin. Peat cores were taken from ombrotrophic, mesotrophic, and oligotrophic peatlands, which were developed in the stream valley of the River San. Twenty-four various peat samples were analysed for peat genus, degree of peat decomposition, ash content, total nitrogen, and total carbon content of hydrolytic matter as well as content of major elements: Na, K, Mg, Ca. The results show that the botanical composition of peat deposits is no reliable indication of their trophic status. The common feature of investigated Holocene peatlands is their valley localisation on the flood terrace. The specific character of local geommorpho8ogicml and hydrological condition caused that the bottom layer of all investigated bog profiles was made of wood peats (Piceaeti, Pineti, Alneti, and Saliceti peat). The geochemical investigations of stratigraphical profiles confirm that the presented peat bogs showed specific morphological separateness comparing to other raised bogs situated in mountains or lowlands     

Determination of pah in soil samples by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)

A thin-layer Chromatographic screening-method is presented for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in soil samples. This screening method is intended for a quick overview of the composition of a contaminant. The developed method of separation is well suited for the semi-quantitative determination of PAH in soil samples, and can be used to identify samples that require further analysis by means of GC or HPLC. The separation of 8 PAH groups with a maximum of 2 PAH (discernible by selective excitation of fluorescence) each is possible. The results of the analysis based on PAH group separation can be regarded as semi-quantitative. The extraction of PAH is effected by means of a solvent mixture consisting of n-hexane-acetone (1:1, v/v). The extraction is aided by ultrasonic treatment. The extract is purified by application to an activated silica gel column (solid-phase extraction). The qualitative analysis can be carried out either by visual observation or by fluorimetric scanning (TLC-Scanner). The characteristic fluorescent colours facilitate a reliable visual identification of PAH. The applicability of the method is shown and a comparison to other analytical methods is carried out. Some of the remarkable features of this method are its user-friendly handling, the low consumption of solvents and the applicability without the necessity for extra equipment.     

长江三角洲地区污泥中多环芳烃的污染研究

To ascertain the contaminated conditions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） in sludge and to evaluate the risk of application of this sludge for agricultural purposes, 44 sludge samples obtained from 15 cities in the Yangtze River Delta area of China were investigated using capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry （GC/MS） after ultrasonic extraction and silica gel cleanup. PAHs＇ contents ranged from 0.0167 to 15.4860 mg kg^-1 （dry weight, DW） and averaged 1.376 mg kg^-1, with most samples containing 〈 1.5 mg kg^-1. Pyrene （PY）, fluoranthene （FL）, benzo[b]fluoranthene （BbF）, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene （IND）, benzo[a]pyrene （B[a]P）, and benzo[g,h,i]perylene （BghiP） were the most dominant compounds, ranging from 0.1582 to 0.2518 mg kg^-1. Single PAH, such as naphthalene （NAP, 2-benzene rings）, phenanthrene （PA, 3-benzene rings）, PY （4-benzene rings）, and FL （3-benzene rings）, had high detection rates （76.1%-93.5%）. The distribution patterns of PAHs were found to vary with the sludge samples; however, the patterns showed that a few compounds with 2- and 3-benzene rings were commonly found in the samples, whereas those with 4-, 5-, and 6-benzene rings were usually less commonly found. All the 44 sludge samples were within the B[a]P concentration limit for sludge applied to agricultural land in China （〈 3.0 rag kg^-1）. The probable sources of PAH contamination in the sludge samples were petroleum, petroleum products, and combustion of liquid and solid fuel. The concentrations and distributions of the 16 PAHs in sludge were related to sludge type, source, and treatment technology, together with the physicochemical properties.     

Biological Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Amazonian Rain Forest

Hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) widely occur in the environment and are believed to be mainly anthropogenic. Here we present strong indications for large biological sources of the PAHs naphthalene, perylene, and possibly also phenanthrene in the Amazonian basin. Termite nests, plant wood, and soils were sampled. Naphthalene is detected in plant wood and is accumulated in the nests of termites from the genus Nasutitermes. Perylene is found in all studied termite nests including six different genera. Phenanthrene occurs at substantial concentrations in wood, soil, and termite nests.     

Different distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) between Sphagnum and Ledum peat from an ombrotrophic bog in Northeast China

Journal of Soils and Sediments - The aims of this study are to investigate historical PAH deposition through the analysis of PAHs in bulk peat cores and reveal the different distribution of PAHs in...     

Composition,distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the western harbour of alexandria,egypt

Aim and Background  Little data are available on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the sediments of the Mediterranean Sea Coast of Egypt in general and the Alexandria coastal zone in particular. It was therefore deemed necessary to set up a monitoring programme to determine the current concentrations of PAHs in bottom sediments, and to identify any area where high concentrations of these potential hazardous contaminants were present in the Western Harbour of Alexandria. Methods  The composition, distribution and the source of PAHs in surficial sediments of the harbour were investigated. To document the spatial PAH input, surficial sediment samples from 23 locations throughout the harbour were analysed. as]Results and Discussion The total PAH load determined in the surficial sediment samples ranged from 8 to 131150 ng g¹ dry wt, generally with most of the samples having total concentrations of PAHs greater than 5000 ng g¹ dry weight. The highest concentration of total PAHs was recorded in sediments of the inner harbour. Ratio values of specific compounds such as phenanthrene to anthracene, fluoranthrene to pyrene, methyl-phen-anthrene to phenanthrene, methyl-dibenzothiophenes to dibenzothiophenes, alkylated to non-alkylated and high molecular weight to low molecular weight PAH, were calculated to evaluate the possible source of PAH contamination in the harbour sediments. Conclusions  Two main sources of PAH in the study area have been found: pyrolytic and petrogenic. Interferences of rather petrogenic and pyrolytic PAH contaminations were noticed for most samples. The dominant sources of PAH appear to be the combustion processes through run-off, industrial and sewage discharges, and atmospheric input. The concentrations of PAHs were generally above levels expected to cause adverse biological effects. Recommendations and outlook  Information from this study and any other relevant studies should be useful in designing future strategies for environmental protection and management of the harbour.     

丛枝菌根作用下土壤中多环芳烃的残留及形态研究

采用盆栽试验方法,以苊为多环芳烃(PAHs)代表物,研究了丛枝菌根(AM)作用下土壤中 PAHs 的残留及形态.供试污染土壤中苊的起始浓度为 35.0 mg/kg.结果表明,AM作用下土壤中苊总残留量明显降低;接种摩西球囊霉菌Glomus mosseae或幼套球囊霉菌Glomus etunicatum后,供试两个污染土样中苊总残留降解率达32.7%～45.2%,比未接种对照高 6.8%～9.8%.有机溶剂提取态是土壤中苊残留的主要部分,AM 作用促进了苊各形态之间的转化;接种AM后土壤 1、2 中苊可脱附态和有机溶剂提取态残留量分别比对照降低了17.0%～37.8% 和 5.4%～26.6%,而结合态残留量比对照增加了12.2%～89.5%.AM 作用能降低土壤中苊可提取态残留含量;但培养55 天后土壤中仍有 65.7%～81.7% 苊属于可提取态残留,对生物有毒害风险.     

Identifying sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils: distinguishing point and non-point sources using an extended PAH spectrum and <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkanes

Background, aim, and scope  Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. They are formed during pyrogenic and diagenetic processes and are components of petrogenic materials such as oils and coals. To identify PAH sources, several studies have employed forensic methods, which may be costly to execute. Although a large number of possible forensic methods are available (e.g., total ion chromatograms, PAH ratios, PAH alkyl homologue series, isoalkanes and isoprenoids, steranes and terpanes, stable isotope ratios, n-alkanes), one has to decide which method is the appropriate cost effective screening approach. In this study, three approaches were tested and compared by measuring (1) an extended PAH spectrum (i.e., 45 instead of the common 16 EPA-PAHs), (2) PAH ratios and (3) n-alkanes to determine if point sources are distinguishable from non-point sources, and if an individual source can be distinguished from a multiple source contaminated site in the study area. In addition, the study evaluated whether these methods are sufficient for source identification of selected samples, and if they constitute a sound strategy for source identification prior to the selection of more cost intensive methods. Materials and methods  Eighteen samples with previously characterized PAH point sources (previously characterized point sources in the Mosel and Saar region) were analyzed. Additionally, three river bank soils of Mosel and Saar rivers with known non-point PAH sources were investigated. The point sources were two gasworks, a tar impregnation facility, a creosoted timber, an acid tar, a tank farm, and a diesel contaminated site. Non-point sources were hard coal particles and atmospheric inputs in river bank soils. All samples were extracted with hexane and acetone, analyzed with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer for PAH distribution patterns and ratios. n-Alkanes were measured by a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. Results  Samples collected from point sources and non-point sources were analyzed by the use of three forensic methods, i.e., PAH patterns of an extended PAH spectrum, PAH ratios and n-alkanes. Identification by PAH patterns alone was insufficient for the non-point sources and some point sources, since the n-alkanes must be measured, as well. The use of PAH ratios with only 16 EPA-PAHs is less indicative in determining multiple sources because source assignments (or categories) change depending on the ratio used. Discussion  This study showed that by employing an extended PAH spectrum it is possible to fingerprint and distinguish sources. The use of alkylated PAHs is essential for identifying petrogenic sources. It is insufficient to rely exclusively on either the common 16 EPA-PAHs or the ratios to the parent PAHs when identifying non-point sources. Source identification using PAH ratios is only reliable if both parent and alkylated PAHs are measured. n-Alkane analyses provide more detailed information about petrogenic sources by verifying the presence of oils, diesel, gasoline, or coal in non-point sources. Conclusions  The three methods tested were deemed sufficient to distinguish between point and non-point PAH sources in the samples investigated. The use of an extended PAH spectrum provides the first step toward identifying possible sources. It simplifies the decision whether additional forensic methods should be necessary for more detailed source identification. Recommendations and perspectives  The determination of PAH alkyl homologue series, biomarkers, and isotopes is often advised (Kaplan et al., Environ Forensics 2:231–248, 2001; Oros and Simoneit, Fuel 79:515–536, 2000; Wang and Fingas, Mar Pollut Bull 47:423–452, 2003). The methods involved are complex and often expensive. We recommend a relatively uncomplicated and cost-effective method (i.e., extended PAH spectrum) before further and more expensive forensic investigations are to be conducted. Additional research with an extended sample set should be carried out to validate these findings for other sources and sites. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Effect of soil bacteria on the ability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) removal by Trametes versicolor and Irpex lacteus from contaminated soil

The effect of bacteria represented by indigenous soil microflora or a mixture of soil bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rhodococcus erythropolis on fungal growth, extracellular enzyme production and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) biodegradation efficiency in soil of white-rot fungi Trametes versicolor and Irpex lacteus was investigated. Both fungi were able to colonize soil. The growth yields measured by ergosterol were about two-fold in I. lacteus after 10 weeks. Laccase was produced in T. versicolor cultures in the presence or absence of bacteria but live bacteria reduced the laccase levels in soil about 5 times. Manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) was not detected in T. versicolor cultures. The amounts of MnP and laccase in I. lacteus cultures were not affected by the presence of bacteria. T. versicolor was more efficient in PAH removal for all PAHs tested although its capacity to colonize soil was lower. The removal rates of PAHs by T. versicolor in sterile soil were 1.5-fold, 5.8-fold and 1.8-fold for 2-3-ring, 4-ring and 5-6-ring PAHs, compared to I. lacteus, respectively. I. lacteus showed a low efficiency of removal of pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene and benzo[k]fluoranthene, compared to T. versicolor, whereas chrysene and benzo[b]fluoranthene were degraded by neither fungus. The main effect of the presence of the indigenous microflora or R. erythropolis and P. aeruginosa was a significant decrease of degradation of total PAHs by both T. versicolor and I. lacteus. Weak fungal/bacterial synergistic effects were observed in the case of removal of acenapthylene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and benzo[g,h,i]perylene by I. lacteus and acenapthylene by T. versicolor. However, the bacterial effects were different in the two fungi. PAH abiotic losses represented 15 and 21% of the total PAHs after 5 and 10 weeks, respectively; naphthalene and acenaphthene were removed from the soil due to volatilization.