The Carcinogenic Hydrocarbon Benzo[<italic>a</italic>]pyrene in the Soil

Abstract

This report describes the content, distribution, and fate of the carcinogenic hydrocarbon benzo(a)pyrene (BP) in the soil of various USSR regions. Enormous BP content has been found in the soil of an oil refinery. The benzene extracts from this oil caused skin cancer in treated mice. There is more BP in the old areas of large cities than in the new. BP is found everywhere, but the rural sections have less than the urban ones. The background level of BP is 1-3 ..mu..g/kg and not more than 10 ..mu..g/kg. The main source of soil contamination by BP is its sedimentation from air, particularly from aircraft exhausts. Its content decreases with the distance from the ejection source (industrial center, airfield) but may spread to 3-5 km. The redistribution of BP across soil layers is shown and its migration into plants confirmed. Seasonal variations of BP content in soil are established. After introduction into soil with tars, BP may be determined quantitatively. Eventually its quantity decreases and, at the doses applied, attains within a year background values. The main factor of BP destruction is the activity of soil bacteria. 41 references, 10 tables.