Assessment of benz(a)pyrene pollution in the flood area of the Luga river

Benz(a)pyrene pollution levels have been identified in the soils and vegetation of the flood plains of the River Luga, Leningrad Region. Maximum pollution exceeding background levels 2-10 times (11.02-52.71 mkg/kg) was detected in the soils around the towns of Luga and Kingisepp. The benz(a)pyrene levels in the vegetation (2.04 mkg/kg) were below background values. No significant correlation was established between the concentrations of pollution in the soil and vegetation. Our data suggest that the area of the mid-course of the River Luga should be preserved as a natural habitat of the plants of the Poaceae family.