Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons accumulation and toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) in postpyrogenic soils

Abstract

This study explores qualitative and quantitative composition of 14 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in postpyrogenic soils after wildfire of 2010 in Tolyatti pine forests. The local forest fires result in more intensive PAHs accumulation in comparison with riding forest fire. Along with the transfer of the clay fraction, the translocation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons resulting from the fires to the accumulative geochemical positions is also possible. Therefore, higher PAHs values were determined in accumulative geochemical positions. The incomplete wood combustion results in 2-nuclear naphthalene and 3-nuclear phenantrene accumulation. Benzo(a)pyrene toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) were used to calculate BaPeq in order to evaluate carcinogenic risk of soil contamination with PAHs. Considerable levels of soil contamination with PAHs were not noted. The total concentrations of 14 PAHs within the study area vary from 4 to 29 ng/g in upper soil horizons.