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Characteristics of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Soil Horizon From High-Altitude Mountains in Northeastern China

Characteristics of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Soil Horizon From High-Altitude Mountains in Northeastern China

Zucheng Wang, Shasha Liu, Tianyu Zhang

Chemosphere. 2019 Jun;225:93-103.

PMID: 30861387

Abstract:

Previous studies have reported that soils from high altitude mountains act as primary reservoirs of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution and illuminate the behaviors of PAHs in soil profiles from Mt. Wangtiane in Northeastern China. Soil samples were collected by different soil genetic horizon rather than by depths at 10 sites, with altitudes from 1000 m to 2022 m. Results showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of total PAHs (16 PAHs) in O-horizons (371 ± 32 to 2224 ± 207 ng g-1) than those in A- and B-horizons (362 ± 30 to 666 ± 58 ng-1 and 289 ± 23 to 571 ± 50 ng g-1, respectively). An increasing trend of PAH concentrations with altitude was observed from elevation ca. 1000 m to ca. 1800 m, but no correlation between PAH concentrations and altitude along transect was found. Total organic carbon (TOC) was strongly correlated (p < 0.05) with PAH concentrations in O-horizons but showed no relation with those in A- and B-horizons. Low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs were dominated in each soil horizon, and decreased percentage of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs with depths in soils profiles was observed. Principle component analysis (PCA) separated O-horizons and A-/B-horizons based on PAH compositions, again suggesting different PAH compositions among soil horizons. These results reflect various processes of PAHs, including deposition, vertical motion, degradation and photolysis. This study suggests it is better to investigate characteristics of PAHs in soils by horizon rather than by depths.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
IAR42169	PAHs in Soil			Price

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