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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:16
Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils
Published on: November 25, 2016
PAH-pools in soils along a PAH-deposition gradient
1Institute of Soil Science and Soil Geography, University of Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from industrial emissions concentrate in forest soils, especially in organic layers and near emission sources. Soil properties like stem flow and particle size significantly influence PAH distribution and availability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants often associated with industrial activities.
- Soil contamination by PAHs poses risks to ecosystems and human health.
- Understanding PAH distribution in different soil compartments is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pools in forest soils impacted by aluminum plant emissions.
- To investigate the influence of soil horizons, microsites, aggregates, and particle size on PAH concentrations.
- To assess the spatial variability of PAH contamination in relation to emission sources.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of three forest soils near an aluminum plant in Ziar/Central Slovakia.
- Analysis of 20 different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
- Characterization of PAH distribution in soil horizons, stem flow-influenced microsites, aggregate fractions, and particle size fractions.
Main Results:
- High PAH concentrations (40-200 mg kg(-1)) were found in organic soil layers, decreasing with depth and distance from the plant.
- PAH concentrations were higher in stem flow-affected microsites, aggregate surface fractions, and bulk soil compared to aggregates.
- Sand- and silt-sized particles showed decreasing PAH percentages with increasing distance from the emission source.
Conclusions:
- Microscale heterogeneity significantly affects PAH distribution and availability in contaminated soils.
- Stem flow, aggregate structure, and particle size are key factors influencing PAH pools.
- Environmental risk assessments must consider soil microscale heterogeneity for accurate PAH evaluation.
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