Ubiquitous Net Volatilization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Soils and Parameters Influencing Their Soil−Air Partitioning

Cabrerizo, Ana and Dachs, Jordi and Moeckel, Claudia and Ojeda, María-José and Caballero, Gemma and BarceloÌ�, DamiaÌ€ and Jones, Kevin C. (2011) Ubiquitous Net Volatilization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Soils and Parameters Influencing Their Soil−Air Partitioning. Environmental Science and Technology, 45 (11). pp. 4740-4747. ISSN 1520-5851

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Abstract

Soils are a major reservoir of organic pollutants, and soil–air partitioning and exchange are key processes controlling the regional fate of pollutants. Here, we report and discuss the soil concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), their soil fugacities, the soil–air partition coefficients (KSA) and soil–air gradients for rural and semirural soils, in background areas of N-NE Spain and N-NW England. Different sampling campaigns were carried out to assess seasonal variability and differences between sampling sites. KSA values were dependent on soil temperature and soil organic quantity and type. Soil fugacities of phenanthrene and its alkyl homologues were 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than their ambient air fugacities for all sampling sites and periods. The soil to air fugacity ratio was correlated with soil temperature and soil redox potential. Similar trends for other PAHs were found but with lower fugacity ratios. The ubiquitous source of PAHs from background soils to the atmosphere found in all temperate regions in different seasons provides an indirect evidence of potential in situ generation of two to four ring PAHs and their alkyl homologues in the surface soil. We discuss this hypothetical biogenic source and other potential processes that could drive the high soil to air fugacity ratios of some PAHs.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Environmental Science and Technology
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1600
Subjects:
?? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCEENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRYCHEMISTRY(ALL) ??
ID Code:
53512
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
13 Apr 2012 14:06
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
19 Sep 2023 00:49