Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in green space soils in Shanghai: source,distribution, and risk assessment

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to study the major sources, concentrations, and distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in three different types of green space in Shanghai. In addition, we will quantitatively assess the burden of PAHs in the soil, as well as the potential carcinogenic risk of PAHs in humans. These results will provide valuable information for soil remediation and human health risk management.

Materials and methods

A total of 166 surface soil samples were collected in parks, greenbelts, and woodlands. Soils were extracted using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). PAHs were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was used to identify major PAH emission sources and quantitatively assess their contributions to PAHs. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was used to quantify the potential health risk of PAHs.

Results and discussion

The average concentrations of ∑15 PAHs are 227?±?95 ng g^?1, 1632?±?251 ng g^?1, and 1888?±?552 ng g^?1 in the woodland, park, and greenbelt soils, respectively. The PMF results show that biomass (33%), coal (21%), vehicles (17%), natural gas (14%), oil (9%), and coke (7%) are the dominant sources of PAHs in the park soils. Diesel (40%), tire debris (30%), biomass (15%), gasoline (9%), and oil (5%) are the main sources in the greenbelt soils. Biomass (48%), vehicles (37%), and coal (15%) are the main sources in the woodland soils. The ILCRs of adults and children who are exposed to PAHs in soils range from 9.53?×?10^?8~1.42?×?10^?5.

Conclusion

In three types of green space in Shanghai, the dominant PAHs are high–molecular weight (HMW) compounds (≥?4 rings). This may be due to the proximity of the sampling site to emission sources. In addition, low–molecular weight (LMW) PAHs (with 2–3 rings) are relatively unstable, and these compounds are prone to volatilization and degradation. Source identification indicates that biomass combustion is the most dominant PAH source in the park and woodland soils, while vehicles are the dominant PAH source in the greenbelt soils. The ILCRs of adults and children indicate potential health risks, and children have a greater health risk than adults.

     

城市土壤多环芳烃的特征和来源解析研究进展

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mainly produced by combustion processes and consist of a number of toxic compounds.They are always emitted as a mixture and have become a major type of pollutants in urban areas.The degree of soil contamination by PAHs is of special concern in areas immediately in proximity to cities with heavy traffic,factories,older buildings,and infrastructure.The accumulation of soil PAHs is also affected by non-anthropogenic factors,such as climate,vegetation,and soil property.This paper reviews three typical source identification techniques,including diagnostic ratios,positive matrix factorization,and principle conrponents analysis.The advantages or disadvantages of these techniques are analyzed.It is recommended that multiple identification techniques be used to determine the sources in order to minimize the weaknesses inherent in each method and thereby to strengthen the conclusions for PAH source identification.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils (Moscow,Eastern District)

The content and distribution of 17 individual structures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in the surface soil layers of the Eastern Administrative District of Moscow and in the background soils of the Meshchera Lowland. The maximum contribution to the PAH spectrum in the background soil belonged to the structures with a small number of nuclei mainly of natural genesis. In the urban soils, the mean total PAH was 5385 ng/g; it was 40 times higher than in the background objects. The unsubstituted multinuclear hydrocarbons as compared to homologues accumulated two times more intensely. The total PAH concentration in the soils of different functional zones varied from 4288 (old residential area) to 8655 ng/g (new blocks). The soils of each zone were characterized by a constant composition of polyarenes, which reflected a specific combination of pollution sources. Using the maps of the benz(a)pyrene contents in the soils in different years, two of its contrasting technogenic anomalies were revealed in the northern and central parts of the district. In 2006, in these areas, the benz(a)pyrene concentration exceeded its MPC by 150 times. The ecological hazard of PAH pollution was assessed. The estimate obtained took into account the carcinogenic potential of 13 individual polyarenes by their equivalents with respect to benz(a)pyrene.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of Moscow

The contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the upper horizons of Moscow soils range up to 1400 mg/kg for individual compounds and up to 10000 mg/kg for their sum. The concentration coefficients of PAHs in the soil vary from 0.7 to 200 depending on individual polyarene properties and land use. The heavy polynuclear structures of technogenic origin have the highest concentration coefficients. The highest accumulation of PAHs is observed for the soils of dumping sites, residential-transport areas, and industrial zones. According to the state sanitary norms set in the Russian Federation for the content of benzo[a]pyrene in soils, more than one-third of the urban soils studied are classified as pure, and about half soils are classified as acceptable.     

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)     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils: Sources, behavior, and indication significance (a review)

The current ideas of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils are reviewed. Their natural and anthropogenic sources are discussed, and the mechanisms of their arrival from other environmental components to soils are considered. The main processes typical for PAHs in soils are defined; the sorption, degradation, and translocation features of polyarenes in the soil profile are shown. Attention is paid to the geographical features of the PAH distribution in soils. The use of data on the PAHs in soils for the indication of different natural and technogenic processes is also discussed.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of Vasilievsky Island (St. Petersburg)

The composition and accumulation patterns of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils of Vasilievsky Island in Saint Petersburg were studied. Concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene were found to exceed maximum permissible concentrations in all the samples, and the maximum recorded concentration exceeded the MPC by 50 times. Concentrations of other PAHs also exceeded the background values. The main soil pollutants were found to be fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[g, h, i] perylene, the part of which in the total content of PAHs was 65–80%.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different forest soils: Mineral horizons

The objective of this study was to assess the behavior of PAH in mineral soil horizons of different forest soils (Allersdorf, All: Inceptisol, mull humus type; Geisberg, Geis: Entisol, mull; Hohe Matzen, HoM: Spodosol, mor). At the mor site, the highest PAH loading was observed in the forest floor (HoM L to Oh, ΣX 20 PAH: 829 g ha^?1), whereas at the mull sites the humified mineral soil horizons were the main sink for PAH (All aAxh, Σ 20 PAH: 522 g ha^?1). In all soils, there was a significant PAH translocation into subsoil horizons (Σ 20 PAH in the subsoil: 76–195 g ha^?1). In order to delineate possible transport mechanisms, double-logarithmic relationships were established between the translocation of the distinct PAH from the surface soil to the subsoil and the PAH's K_ow values. The data suggested that transport of low-molecular PAH into the subsoil was primarily a function of the water solubility of each compound. In the biologically active All and Geis soils, high-molecular PAH were translocated independently from their K_ow value, and particle-bound transport probably by soil burrowing animals was assumed to control translocation of the penta- and hexacyclic PAH. In contrast, at HoM transfer of high-molecular PAH increased with increasing hydrophobicity, suggesting dissolved organic matter (DOM)-mediated transport of PAH. Fractionation of soil into a floatable fraction and into sand- (20–2000 μm), silt- (2–20 μm), coarse clay- (0.2–2 μm), and fine claysized (< 0.2 μm) separates revealed that more than 80% of the PAH loading could be assigned to silt- and coarse clay-sized separates, irrespective of the soil's texture (loamy sand to silty clay loam). Silt generally showed the highest C_org?related PAH concentrations. PAH profiles (relative proportion of each PAH on the sum of 20 PAH) revealed increasing proportions of high-molecular, more refractory PAH from the floatables and the sand-sized separates to the finer particles, corresponding with an increasing degree of SOM alteration in the same direction. At HoM, depth gradients of high-molecular PAH suggested co-transport of penta- and hexacyclic PAH with DOM and subsequent co-sorption selectively to the silt- and coarse-clay sized separates of the Bsh horizon.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in background podzolic and gleyic peat-podzolic soils

The qualitative and quantitative composition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been determined in the background podzolic and gleyic peat-podzolic soils of the middle and northern taiga zones of northeastern Europe using the methods of highly efficient liquid chromatography and chromato-mass spectrometry. The distribution of polyarenes in the soil profiles follows the eluvial-illuvial pattern. Organic and illuvial horizons are the biogeochemical barriers for PAHs migrating in the soils. The revealed regularities of the accumulation and redistribution of PAHs in the soil profiles are in agreement with the character of the soil-forming processes in the northern and middle taiga zones.     

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。     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tundra soils of the Komi Republic

The qualitative and quantitative composition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tundra soils has been studied by gradient high-performance liquid chromatography. The differentiation of the PAHs in the soil profile is of clear accumulative character. The pool of polyarenes in the soils is determined by the cryogenesis processes and mainly consists of low-molecular-weight bi- to tetranuclear PAHs, the high-molecular-weight PAHs in the organic horizons make up no more than 20% of the total polyarenes in the soil, and penta- and hexanuclear structures are almost absent in the mineral layer.     

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.     

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。     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: pollution and source analysis of a black tea

Investigations into the manufacturing process of one kind of black tea revealed that it included five steps: withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, and drying and sorting. A total of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were simultaneously measured in fresh leaves, withered leaves, rolled leaves, fermented leaves, crude black tea, and black tea sampled after each manufacturing stage and in the indoor and outdoor air of the drying house. It was observed that the total contents of the 16 PAHs (SigmaPAHs) in the crude black tea and the black tea were obviously higher than those in the tea leaves sampled after each manufacturing step before the drying stage; the air SigmaPAHs in the drying house were about 100 times higher than those outside the drying house. It can be concluded that quantities of PAHs were released into the drying house from the combustion of pine firewood during the drying stage, and then were absorbed by the tea leaves, thus resulting in the high PAH contents in the black tea.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric particulate depositions and urban soils of Moscow,Russia

Purpose

The study was conducted to quantify the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulation in urban soils from different functional areas via atmospheric inputs with particulate matter.

Materials and methods

PAH concentration and pattern were measured in the particulate matter of snow depositions, in the upper layers of artificial soils from densely built-up areas and in the undisturbed natural soils (Umbric Retisols) from green park area. Samples were collected in 2011–2013 at 58 sites with different traffic activities located at the territory of the Eastern Administrative Okrug of Moscow. The soil samples and filters with particulate matter were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction using Dionex ASE200. Clean-up analyses were performed on SPE cartridges filled with silica gel. Concentrations of PAHs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography using an Agilent 1100 System equipped with fluorescent detector.

Results and discussion

Mean values of PAH input with snow particles were 45–57 μg/m² for recreational and residential zones, and 140–264 μg/m² for traffic zones. The samples of depositions from different functional areas showed a similar PAH pattern and consisted primarily of 3–4-ring PAHs. Total PAH concentrations in upper layers of artificial soils showed similar mean values of 1.43–2.21 μg/g for all functional zones. The PAH content in soils from the park area was twofold lower than that from the built-up area (0.34–0.63 μg/g), despite equal levels of atmosphere contamination on these territories. The upper layers of natural soils from recreational and traffic zones showed slight differences in PAH content, though PAH input with snow was fivefold higher in the traffic zone. Compared with airborne depositions, soils contained significant amounts of 5–6-ring PAHs.

Conclusions

A high level of soil PAH contamination in urban areas of Moscow, several orders of magnitude higher than the current PAH input to them from the atmosphere, indicates a lack of direct connection of the PAH pool in soils with this source. The high PAH content in the upper layer of constructed soils can be the result of repeated use of materials subjected to a constant technogenic impact for the production of artificial soils.

     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in marine sediments of the Hellenic coastal zone, eastern Mediterranean: levels, sources and toxicological significance

Purpose  

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread in sediments, particularly near areas of intense human activities. Due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic behaviour, PAHs are classified as priority contaminants to be monitored in environmental quality control schemes. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of PAHs in major coastal areas of Greece that receive various pressures, investigate their sources and evaluate their potential toxicity by comparison against effects-based Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG).     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in urban and semi-urban soils of Havana,Cuba

Purpose

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Havana were quantified and analyzed in relation to possible emission sources to assess metropolitan soil contaminations in a highly dynamic, urban environment. The results of this study will serve Cuban legislators as a basis to develop environmental quality standards for organic pollutants in soils.

Materials and methods

Possible emission sources as, e.g., the vicinity to roads or industrial plants and the influence of the land use were related to the organic contaminants concentrations. Therefore, 28 topsoils in the Havana urban and semi-urban area were sampled at agricultural (n?=?12), organoponic (urban gardens in the capital, n?=?8), public park (n?=?7), and remediation (on-site bioremediation of an oil refinery, n?=?1) sites. Their PAH and PCB concentrations were measured with gas chromatography mass spectroscopy and the total organic carbon (TOC) and black carbon (BC) concentrations with the chemo-thermal oxidation.

Results and discussion

The sum of the 16 PAH concentrations ranged from 0.04 mg/kg in agricultural and organoponic soils to up to 72 mg/kg in a public park at about 1.5 km distance from an oil refinery. The lowest sum of the seven PCB congener concentrations was also measured in organoponic soils (0.002 mg/kg) and the highest in an arable patch of land between the rail roads and a main road (0.1 mg/kg). Both, PAH as well as PCB soil concentrations in Havana were almost up to two orders of magnitudes higher compared to a soil monitoring in the neighboring province of Mayabeque, but overall in the typical range of urban soils reported by other studies. The pollutants showed no relationship between TOC and BC except for PAHs with BC. For PAHs, combustion was the main source.

Conclusions

A comparison of the pollutant concentrations with regulatory guidance values (RGV) of other countries revealed PCB concentrations in Havana soils far below these RGV. In contrast, some concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene, the most carcinogenic PAH, in agricultural and park soils in Havana exceeded some RGV. Thus, some public parks pose a risk according to the Canadian quality guidelines when people have direct contact with these soils but not if they were consuming products thereof.

     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in pyrogenic soils of swampy landscapes of the Meshchera lowland

The composition and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were studied in organomineral and organic soils of the Meshchera National Park. It was found that the background oligotrophic peat soils unaffected by fires in central parts of the bogs are characterized by the increased PAH concentrations due to their high sorption capacity. The fires of 2007 and 2010 resulted in the transformation of the plant cover and soil morphology, the formation of new horizons, and the change in the PAHs content and composition. Significant burn-off of organic matter was found in oligotrophic-eutrophic soils and resulted in the decrease of PAHs content after fire. Only partial burn-off of organic horizons and intense formation of PAHs were recorded in the soil with initially great thickness of peat horizons. Pyrogenic accumulation of PAHs was identified in organomineral soils of the marginal parts of bogs and of forest sites.