Quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil at McMurdo Station, Antarctica

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of compounds that have attracted much attention over the past several years. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified numerous PAHs as known or probable human carcinogens. The quantity of PAHs in the environment has dramatically increased, with the majority emitted from fossil fuel combustion sources. Surface soil samples were collected at McMurdo Station, Antarctica (77 degrees 51S, 166 degrees 41E), during peak summer activity and analyzed for PAHs. PAHS were detected at several locations, with maximum concentrations for naphthalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, and fluoranthene at 27,000, 17,800, 15,700 and 13,300 mg/kg, respectively. Results suggest anthropogenic activities may be contributing to increased levels of PAHs present in McMurdo soils.