Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soils: Environmental and Behavioral Issues

Abstract
The paper presents results on behavioral studies of PAHs in different types of soils in connection with the soil-forming processes and the character of anthropogenic influence on the soil cover. The data obtained showed a considerable accumulation of low molecular weight PAHs, partly of natural origin, in subsurface and deep soil horizons depending on the intensity of soil contamination, activity of soil biota, leaching of soil solution, etc. On the contrary, the vertical distribution of high molecular compounds (e.g. benzo(a)pyrene, etc.), mostly of anthropogenic origin, are characterized by the strong accumulation in topsoil for almost all soils examined. Of special interest are the data enabling to assess the soil ecological status by means of the PAHs molecular composition analysis.

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