Abstract
Multiplicity and complexity in sources account for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil and health risk levels in industrial zones. In the present study, cancer risks (CR) for soil-bound carcinogenic PAHs were estimated and compared for the first time in seven different land-use areas adjacent to an industrial zone (Ulsan) in Korea. The entire study area has been recognized as a “low CR” zone (10−6 < value < 10−4). Hence, all land-use areas were found to have significant (>10−6) CR levels, except for an area used to store ore and iron scraps. Estimated CR levels were highest in the railroad area (RA) and traffic area (TA), followed by those in the industrial area (IA). In addition, exposure through dermal absorption (61–70%) and ingestion (21–39%) were the most common factors for CR levels in the study area. Among all health parameters, exposure duration, body weight, and open skin surface area were distinguished as most sensitive to total CR levels. Moreover, among all carcinogenic PAHs, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene were most sensitive to CR levels. Creosote, which was utilized in railroad ties in RA and vehicular exhaust emission in TA, was classified as a source of soil-bound carcinogenic PAHs. Therefore, CR levels resulting from transportation activities were found to be two to three times higher than those obtained from industrial processes. Transportation activities in urban areas mostly serve to provide rapid and comfortable carriage for commuters. However, these facilities were mostly responsible for potential carcinogen exposure. This study directly challenges the conventional perception that industrial zones are the most polluted areas, especially when compared to transportation zones in urban areas. These findings can help local and national governments to better manage resources and maintain an economic balance.
Highlights
Industries are the backbone of a country’s economy
The current study aims to reduce research gaps through the following objectives: 1) compare cancer risks (CR) levels in soil-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for various land-use areas in industrial complex, 2) evaluate the impact of transportation [railroad area (RA) and traffic areas (TA)] on CR levels, and 3) identify the most sensitive parameters and significant exposure routes for CR levels
This study focused on CR assessment for soil-bound PAHs at various land-use areas near an industrial cluster in Korea
Summary
It is a common belief that industrial areas (IA) are more polluted than urban areas. The Korean Government is spending substantial funds to clean up industrial zones. Government policies on industrial disposal management, emission control techniques, and reuse and recycle systems have provided more sustainability within the industrial process system. Korean city managements are facing problems due to rapid urbanization, dense population, and waste volume. Cities have several sources of pollution, Soil-Bound PAHs and Cancer Risk people are still migrating toward them. Cities are surrounded by high traffic density zones. Soils from dense traffic areas (TA) are enriched with more carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as compared to soils from other areas (Kim et al, 2019). Growing concentrations of soil-bound carcinogenic PAHs require attention from the scientific community in Korea
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