Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Concentrations In Soil Research Articles

Remediation of PAH-contaminated soil by the combination of tall fescue, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and epigeic earthworms

A 120-day experiment was performed to investigate the effect of a multi-component bioremediation system consisting of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) (Glomus caledoniun L.), and epigeic earthworms (Eisenia foetida) for cleaning up polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-contaminated soil. Inoculation with AMF and/or earthworms increased plant yield and PAH accumulation in plants. However, PAH uptake by tall fescue accounted for a negligible portion of soil PAH removal. Mycorrhizal tall fescue significantly enhanced PAH dissipation, PAH degrader density and polyphenol oxidase activity in soil. The highest PAH dissipation (93.4%) was observed in the combination treatment: i.e., AMF+earthworms+tall fescue, in which the soil PAH concentration decreased from an initial value of 620 to 41mgkg−1 in 120 days. This concentration is below the threshold level required for Chinese soil PAH quality (45mgkg−1 dry weight) for residential use.

Cancer risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soils from Jiaozhou Bay wetland

To estimate the cancer risk exposed to the PAHs in Jiaozhou Bay wetland soils, a probabilistic health risk assessment was conducted based on Monte Carlo simulations. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the input variables that contribute most to the cancer risk assessment. Three age groups were selected to estimate the cancer risk via four exposure pathways (soil ingestion, food ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation). The results revealed that the 95th percentiles cancer risks for children, teens and adults were 9.11×10−6, 1.04×10−5 and 7.08×10−5, respectively. The cancer risks for three age groups were at acceptable range (10−6–10−4), indicating no potential cancer risk. For different exposure pathways, food ingestion was the major exposure pathway. For 7 carcinogenic PAHs, the cancer risk caused by BaP was the highest. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the parameters of exposure duration (ED) and sum of converted 7 carcinogenic PAHs concentrations in soil based on BaPeq (CSsoil) contribute most to the total uncertainty. This study provides a comprehensive risk assessment on carcinogenic PAHs in Jiaozhou Bay wetland soils, and might be useful in providing potential strategies of cancer risk prevention and controlling.

Distribution and Source Apportionment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Forest Soils from Urban to Rural Areas in the Pearl River Delta of Southern China

The upper layer of forest soils (0–20 cm depth) were collected from urban, suburban, and rural areas in the Pearl River Delta of Southern China to estimate the distribution and the possible sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total concentrations of PAHs in the forest soils decreased significantly along the urban–suburban–rural gradient, indicating the influence of anthropogenic emissions on the PAH distribution in forest soils. High and low molecular weight PAHs dominated in the urban and rural forest soils, respectively, implying the difference in emission sources between the areas. The values of PAH isomeric diagnostic ratios indicated that forest soil PAHs were mainly originated from traffic emissions, mixed sources and coal/wood combustion in the urban, suburban and rural areas, respectively. Principal component analysis revealed that traffic emissions, coal burning and residential biomass combustion were the three primary contributors to forest soil PAHs in the Pearl River Delta. Long range transportation of PAHs via atmosphere from urban area might also impact the PAHs distribution in the forest soils of rural area.

Profiles, sources, and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils affected by electronic waste recycling in Longtang, south China

We studied the profiles, possible sources, and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from the Longtang area, which is an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling center in south China. The sum of 16 PAH concentrations ranged from 25 to 4,300 ng/g (dry weight basis) in the following order: pond sediment sites (77 ng/g), vegetable fields (129 ng/g), paddy fields (180 ng/g), wastelands (258 ng/g), dismantling sites (678 ng/g), and former open burning sites (2,340 ng/g). Naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene were the dominant PAHs and accounted for approximately 75 % of the total PAHs. The similar composition characteristics of PAHs and the significant correlations among individual, low molecular weight, high molecular weight, and total PAHs were found in all six sampling site types, thus indicating that PAHs originated from similar sources. The results of both isomeric ratios and principal component analyses confirmed that PAHs were mainly derived from the incomplete combustion of e-waste. The former open burning sites and dismantling sites were the main sources of PAHs. Soil samples that were taken closer to the point sources had high PAH concentrations. PAHs are transported via different soil profiles, including those in agricultural fields, and have been detected not only in 0- to 40-cm-deep soil but also in 40 cm to 80 cm-deep soil. PAH concentrations in soils in Longtang have been strongly affected by primitive e-waste recycling, particularly by former open burning activities.

Association of soil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels and anthropogenic impacts in a rapidly urbanizing region: Spatial distribution, soil–air exchange and ecological risk

The occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and surrounding areas was examined on a basis of six land-use types and four geographic regions, from which the impacts of anthropogenic events on the terrestrial environment were evaluated. No significant difference in the concentrations of Σ28PAH and Σ15PAH (sums of 28 and 15 PAHs, respectively) was found among the land-use types of industry, landfill and residency. On the other hand, higher soil PAH concentrations occurred in the central PRD characterized by dense population and high urbanization level, compared to other geographic regions. Source diagnostics implicated the combustions of coal and refined petroleum as the major input sources of anthropogenic PAHs. Furthermore, low molecular weight PAHs tended to volatilize from soil to air while the opposite was prevailing for high molecular weight PAHs. The mean annual diffusive flux of Σ15PAH (852μgm−2yr−1) from the soil to the atmosphere in the central PRD was greater than those in the PRD's periphery (195μgm−2yr−1), West region (322μgm−2yr−1) and East region (84.9μgm−2yr−1), suggesting that the central PRD may have become a secondary source of PAHs to the surrounding areas. Finally, ecological risk assessment based on the classification from Maliszewska-Kordybach showed that 3.5% of soil within the central PRD was heavily contaminated by PAHs and 5.2million residents may be subjected to high health risk.

Assessment of soil pollution based on total petroleum hydrocarbons and individual oil substances

Different oil products like gasoline, diesel or heavy oils can cause soil contamination. The assessment of soils exposed to oil products can be conducted through the comparison between a measured concentration and an intervention value (IV). Several national policies include the IV based on the so called total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) measure. However, the TPH assessment does not indicate the individual substances that may produce contamination. The soil quality assessment can be improved by including common hazardous compounds as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aromatic volatile hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX). This study, focused on 62 samples collected from different sites throughout The Netherlands, evaluates TPH, PAH and BTEX concentrations in soils. Several indices of pollution are defined for the assessment of individual variables (TPH, PAH, B, T, E, and X) and multivariables (MV, BTEX), allowing us to group the pollutants and simplify the methodology. TPH and PAH concentrations above the IV are mainly found in medium and heavy oil products such as diesel and heavy oil. On the other hand, unacceptable BTEX concentrations are reached in soils contaminated with gasoline and kerosene. The TPH assessment suggests the need for further action to include lighter products. The application of multivariable indices allows us to include these products in the soil quality assessment without changing the IV for TPH. This work provides useful information about the soil quality assessment methodology of oil products in soils, focussing the analysis into the substances that mainly cause the risk.

Uptake, accumulation and translocation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by winter wheat cultured on oily sludge-amended soil

The purpose of this study is to comparatively investigate the plant uptake, accumulation and translocation behaviors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as priority pollutants in soil contaminated with oily sludge. The influence of different oily sludge application doses on the uptake of contaminants was studied together with the profile of individual PAH in roots, straws and leaves of winter wheat. Pot experiments were conducted using oily sludge application doses of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 percent, respectively. The total PAHs contents of control soil and oily sludge were 16.96 and 3504.66 µg/g, respectively. Analysis for the contents of the 16 PAHs was carried out with a HPLC-UV using plant tissue samples obtained at the 265th day of growth. The total PAHs contents in treated winter wheat were 9.02–334.81 ng/g for roots, 8.45–336.52 ng/g for straws and 10.70–406.32 ng/g for leaves. In addition to 5% of oily sludge dose, the total PAHs content in leaves was always highest under other doses of oily sludge application. With respect to individual PAH, the content did not show a significant plant tissue related trend. However, both the total content and individual content of PAHs in treated winter wheat tissues did increase with increasing oily sludge application dose. Another analysis for the control soil indicates that the degradation rate of PAHs was significantly enhanced by winter wheat after 265 days of growth based on the residual concentrations of PAHs in planted and unplanted soils.

Localized enrichment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil, spruce needles, and lake sediments linked to in-situ bitumen extraction near Cold Lake, Alberta

The extraction of bitumen from the Alberta oil sands using in-situ technologies is expanding at a rapid rate; however, investigations into the environmental impacts of oil sands development have focused on surface mining in the Athabasca region. We measured polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in soils, spruce needles, and lake sediment cores in the Cold Lake oil sands region to provide a historical and spatial perspective on PAH contamination related to in-situ extraction activities. A pronounced increase in PAH concentrations was recorded in one of two study lakes (Hilda Lake) corresponding to the onset of commercial bitumen production in ∼1985. Distance from extraction rigs was not an important predictor of PAH concentrations in soils, although two samples located near installations were elevated in alkyl PAHs. Evidence of localized PAH contamination in Hilda Lake and two soil samples suggests that continued environmental monitoring is justified to assess PAH contamination as development intensifies.

Multi-factors influencing the spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils surrounding drinking water protection zone

We selected the Guanting Reservoir in Beijing, China as a case where an industrial area locates on the upwind corner to study the influence of human activities and natural processes on the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils. Soil PAH concentrations in the study area follow a log-normal probability distribution function, suggesting that distribution of PAH in soils was affected by human activities. Distribution of PAHs in soils was significantly affected by the point source that high PAH concentrations were observed in near industrial area with an obvious declining trend from the northwest to the southeast which was the prevailing wind direction in this area. Away from the influence of point source, distribution of PAHs in soils was found to significantly correlate with total organic carbon content, while the influences of agricultural land uses and type of soil texture on the total soil PAHs contents and ring compositions were quite limited. The results can provide some evidences and data on the pollutant accumulation in drink water protection area influenced by natural processes and human activities.

Comparative studies of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and octadecyl (C18) as sorbents in passive sampling devices for biomimetic uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soils

To avoid overestimating the risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), research is needed to evaluate the bioavailable portion of PAHs in the environment. However, limited PSDs were developed for a terrestrial soil system. In this study, two sorbents, octadecyl (C18) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), were individually evaluated as sorbents in passive sampling devices (PSDs) as biomimetic samplers to assess the uptake of PAHs from soil. C18-PSDs were an excellent biomimetic tool for PAHs with a low molecular weight in complex exposure conditions with different soil types, types of PAHs, aging periods, and initial PAH concentrations in soil. The utility of MWNT-PSDs was limited by extraction efficiencies of PAHs from MWNTs. However, when compared to C18-PSDs, they had higher adsorption capacities and were less expensive. This study provides data regarding useful techniques that can be used in risk assessment to assess the bioavailability of PAHs in soil.

Investigating Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Profiles in Higher Plants Using Statistical Models

Thirty-six higher plants sampled from Olomoro, Irri, Uzere, and Oginni exploration sites in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria were subjected to GC/MS analysis to assess the occurrence, distribution and profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in them. The Σ28PAHs ranged from 335 to 3094 ng/g. The results of the nonparametric regression models showed that PAHs concentration in a plant cannot be used in isolation to deduce the total PAHs concentration in soils hosting the plant since PAHs concentration in a plant is influenced by the presence (or absence) of other plants in that location. A combination of Factor analysis (FA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to recognize PAHs concentration patterns among the plants in the studied locations and individual PAHs compounds. Woody annuals and perennial plants formed similar patterns in Oginni and Irri locations. Three main clusters were formed by all the compounds with naphthalene and 2-methylnaphthalene standing as outliers in all the four locations. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of International Journal of Phytoremediation to view the supplemental file.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils along the coastal and estuarine areas of the northern Bohai and Yellow Seas, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their health risks in surface soils (n = 31) collected from coastal and estuarine areas of the northern Bohai and Yellow Seas (CEANBYS), China, were investigated. Total concentrations of PAHs ranged from 6.6 × 10(1) to 9.2 × 10(2) ng g(-1) dry weight, with an average of 3.1 × 10(2) ng g(-1) dw. The locations where greater concentrations of PAHs were observed were all near factories emitting black smoke or on the edge of the urban areas. These observations are consistent with concentrations of PAHs in soils being influenced by human activities, especially industrialization and urbanization. Concentrations of PAHs were significantly correlated with concentrations of organic carbon in soils. The patterns of relative concentrations and types of PAHs observed as well as knowledge of the potential sources were consistent with the primary sources of PAHs in soils of the CEANBYS being derived from the pyrolytic processes such as combustion of fossil fuel. The incremental lifetime cancer risks of exposing to PAHs for child, youth, and adult were 1.6 × 10(-6), 1.2 × 10(-6), and 1.9 × 10(-6).

In situ gradient distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated rhizosphere soil: a field study

Little information is available heretofore on the gradient distribution of persistent organic pollutants in rhizosphere on a field scale. In this field study, we seek to explore the in situ distribution gradient of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rhizosphere soil proximal to the roots. Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) grew in situ in the contaminated field soil near a petrochemical plant and were harvested when about 30 cm tall with mature roots. Rhizosphere soils of the plants were sampled including the rhizoplane, strongly adhering soil, and loosely adhering soil. Eleven EPA-priority PAHs were detected in each layer of rhizosphere soils in proximity to the root surface. The PAH concentrations followed the descending order of bulk soil, loosely adhering soil, strongly adhering soil, and rhizoplane soil in proximity to the root surface of clover and hyssop. The rhizosphere effect (R, in percent) on PAH distribution clearly decreased with increasing distance from the root, and a more significant decrease was observed for hyssop compared to clover. R values were generally lower for three- and four-ringed PAHs in the rhizosphere, which were more significant in loosely and strongly adhering rhizosphere layers. Our field observations combined with previous potted studies demonstrated that PAH concentrations in rhizosphere soils increased with distance from the root. Results of this work provide new information on the fate of PAHs in rhizosphere.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from the Tibetan Plateau, China: distribution and influence of environmental factors

Thirty four sampling sites along an elevation transect in the Tibetan Plateau region were chosen. Soil cores were divided into several layers and a total of 175 horizon soil samples were collected from July to September 2011, for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The measured PAHs concentration in surface soils was 56.26 ± 45.84 ng g(-1), and the low molecular weight PAHs (2-3 rings) predominated, accounting for 48% and 35%. We analyzed the spatial (altitudinal and vertical) distribution of PAHs in soil, and explored the influence of related environmental factors. Total organic carbon (TOC) showed a controlling influence on the distribution of PAHs. PAH concentrations declined with soil depth, and the composition patterns of PAHs along soil depth indicated that the heavy PAHs tended to remain in the upper layers (0-10 cm), while the light fractions were transported downward more easily. PAHs inventories (8.77-57.92 mg m(-2)) for soil cores increased with mean annual precipitation, while the topsoil concentrations decreased with it. This implies that an increase in precipitation could transfer more PAHs from the atmosphere to the soil and further transport PAHs from the topsoil to deeper layers.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils and vegetation near an e-waste recycling site in South China: Concentration, distribution, source, and risk assessment

This study determined the concentrations of PAHs generated from e-waste recycling activities and their potential impacts on soil, vegetation, and human health. The total PAH concentrations in soils and plants ranged from 127 to 10,600 and 199 to 2420ng/g, respectively. Samples from an e-waste burning site had higher PAH concentrations than samples from adjacent locations. The PAHs in plants varied with plant species and tissue, and Lactuca sativa L. contained the highest PAHs of all the vegetable species. Various land use types showed different PAH concentrations in soils, with vegetable fields showing higher concentrations than paddy fields. Low molecular weight PAHs, such as phenanthrene, were the predominant congeners in soils, whereas high molecular weight PAHs, such as fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzo[a]anthracene, were enriched in plants relative to soils. Dissimilar PAH profiles in soil and the corresponding vegetation indicated that the uptake of PAHs by plants was selective. A source analysis showed that the contamination by PAHs originated primarily from the open burning of e-waste. The total daily intakes of PAHs and carcinogenic PAHs through vegetables at the e-waste dismantling site were estimated to be 279 and 108ng/kg/d, respectively, indicating that the consumption of vegetables grown near e-waste recycling sites is risky and should be completely avoided.

Spatial and temporal variation and air–soil exchange of atmospheric PAHs and PCBs in an industrial region

It was recently suggested that emissions of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are decreasing in former use regions due to emission reductions combined with uncontrolled export, at the expense of regions receiving these substances as obsolete products and wastes. Aliaga industrial region in Izmir, Turkey is one of the regions receiving POPs in the form of scrap iron and old ships to be scrapped. Ambient air samples were collected by passive sampling during four seasons in 2009 and 2010 (winter, spring, summer, and fall) at forty different sites in Aliaga to determine the spatial and seasonal variations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Soil samples were also collected at the air sampling sites during the summer period. Phenanthrene was the most abundant PAH at all sites, and all samples were dominated by low to medium molecular weight PAHs, i.e., fluorene, fluoranthene and pyrene. The spatial distribution of ambient PAH concentrations indicated that the major PAH sources in the region were iron–steel plants, petroleum refinery, and ship dismantling plants. At residential sites, PAH concentrations were higher in winter indicating that wintertime concentrations were mainly affected by residential heating emissions. However, highest atmospheric PCBs concentrations were observed in summer, probably due to increased volatilization from their sources at higher temperatures. Low to medium molecular weight PCBs (tri–, tetra–, penta–CBs) were the most abundant compounds in air for all seasons. Results also indicated that iron–steel plants and ship dismantling facilities were the major PCB emitters in the region. A similar spatial variation was observed for soil PAH and PCB concentrations. Air and soil PAH and PCB concentrations were correlated significantly indicating the interaction of these compartments. Results of the fugacity ratio calculations indicated that local soils generally act as a sink throughout the year for medium to low volatility atmospheric PAHs and PCBs. However, during summer soil becomes a source, especially for volatile PAHs and PCBs.

Association of black carbon with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in urban topsoils and environmental implications

Black carbon (BC) was quantified in the surface soils (0–10 cm) of Xuzhou, China, to examine the relationships with contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs). BC contents in Xuzhou urban soils varied from 1.7 to 169.5 mg/g with a mean of 32.8 mg/g. These results showed that BC showed a substantial build-up in Xuzhou surface soils. The various PAH ratios pointed to a domination by pyrogenically formed BC in soils. BC showed significant positive correlations with PAHs except for benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), indicating that soil BC is an important factor controlling the concentrations of PAHs in soils. The concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Ni were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Similar to the PAHs, significant correlations between HMs and BC were found, suggesting that HMs investigated in this study are likely to be strongly retained by BC present in soils. These results show that BC represents a long-term carbon sink, and confers the concurrent benefit of immobilising PAHs and HMs in soils.

Factors affecting spatial variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface soils in North China Plain

The spatial variation in concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface soils in the North China Plain and the influential factors were examined in the present study. High concentrations of the sum of 16 PAHs (∑PAH(16) ) appeared in cities and their surrounding areas. Emissions and soil organic carbon (SOC) content significantly regulated spatial differentiation of PAH contamination in soils in the study area. Compared with emissions, concentrations of individual and total PAHs in soils were more closely controlled by the SOC content. Furthermore, concentrations of PAH species with lower molecular weight (e.g., two- or three-ring) in surface soils were more strongly correlated with the SOC content in comparison with those of higher molecular weight (e.g., five- or six-ring), mainly because of their higher saturated vapor pressure, thus higher mobility. The spatial variation of PAH species in soils in the North China Plain tended to be larger with increasing benzene ring numbers, and the difference in physicochemical properties of PAH species determined their distinct spatial distribution characteristics. The present study highlights the relative importance of emissions and SOC content in spatial variation of PAHs and the dependence of the spatial distribution characteristics of PAH species in surface soils on their physicochemical properties at a regional scale. Results of the present work are helpful for regional risk assessment of the contaminants tested.

Risk assessment and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in agricultural soils of Huanghuai plain, China

The profiles and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in 227 agricultural surface soils from the Huanghuai plain, China. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs varied from 15.7 to 1247.6μg/kg, with an average of 129.5μg/kg. Compared with pollution level and carcinogenic potential risk in other research, the soil PAH concentrations in this study fell within low to middle level. Unexpectedly, a significant correlation was not observed between the PAH concentration in soils and the corresponding content of the soil organic matter. This is partly interpreted for our sampling sites located in agricultural area where fresh input of organic fertilizers is expected. Principal component analysis-multiple linear regression suggests that low temperature combustion, coal combustion and traffic emissions could be the primary PAH contributors in soils from the Huanghuai plain, accounting for 46.7 percent, 42.1 percent and 11.2 percent of PAH concentrations, respectively.

Levels and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in selected irrigated urban agricultural soils in Accra, Ghana

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous organic pollutants in urban environments including urban soils. Elevated concentrations of PAHs in urban soils are caused by incomplete combustion of petroleum and coal. This study assesses 16 individual PAH compounds in a total of 112 surficial soil samples. The objective was to assess and compare the levels of contamination as well as examine the main sources of PAHs in four urban agricultural soils using molecular ratios of some specific hydrocarbons. The study showed that PAH levels in soil ranged from 1.23 ng/kg in soil collected from Dzorwulu to 2.95 ng/kg in soil collected from Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation (GBC) vegetable irrigation site. Of the total PAHs, the more water soluble PAHs (2–4 rings), which tend to be concentrated in the vapour phase were found to dominate the soils. The percentage dominance were Dzorwulu (52.8 %), Marine Drive (62.5 %), CSIR (53.2 %) and GBC (49.2 %). However, there were significant levels of the more carcinogenic PAHs (5–6 rings) present with percentages as 47.1, 37.5 46.8 and 50.8 % for Dzorwulu, Marine Drive, CSIR and GBC vegetable irrigation sites, respectively, and therefore, may impact negatively on public health. Based on the classification by the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Pulawy, Poland, urban soils in Accra could be classified as contaminated to different levels. Molecular ratios of Flu/pyr and PA/Ant were calculated to determine the main sources of PAHs. Results showed that PAHs could originate mainly from incomplete combustion of petroleum products, especially from atmospheric fallout from automobile exhausts. The study further showed that B(a)P concentration of 0.05 ng/kg in soil from GBC urban vegetable irrigation site requires immediate clean-up exercise and monitoring to mitigate human health impact.