Diffuse PAH contamination of surface soils: environmental occurrence, bioavailability, and microbial degradation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Diffuse pollution of surface soil by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is characterized by large areas and low concentrations.
• Urban and pristine topsoils continuously receive pyrogenic PAHs, stimulating microbial degradation capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the scientific and environmental significance of diffuse polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution.
• To review the microbial potential for PAH degradation in soils.
• To discuss state-of-the-art methods for investigating diffuse PAH pollution.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on diffuse PAH pollution in soils.
• Analysis of microbial degradation potential in relation to PAH sources and soil properties.
• Evaluation of current and future investigation techniques for microbial PAH degradation.

Main Results:

• Diffuse PAH pollution presents significant environmental challenges due to its widespread nature.
• Soil microorganisms possess a notable potential for degrading PAHs, influenced by factors like black carbon and bioaccessibility.
• Understanding microbial PAH degradation is crucial for assessing the environmental fate of these pollutants.

Conclusions:

• Diffuse PAH pollution is scientifically and environmentally important, necessitating further study.
• Microbial degradation plays a key role in the fate of PAHs in soil ecosystems.
• Advanced investigation methods are essential for future research on microbial PAH degradation.