title: Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Datuo karst Tiankeng of South China.
abstract: Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in surface soils of Datuo karst Tiankeng (large sinkholes) in South China with the use of a gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) system. This paper provides data on the levels and distribution of PAHs from the top to the bottom of the Datuo karst Tiankeng. The results showed that the sum of the 16 EPA priority PAHs from the sampled locations from top to bottom had a relative increment in PAHs concentration. summation operatorPAHs ranged from 16.93 ng/g to 68.07 ng/g with a mean concentration of 42.15 ng/g. The correlated results showed the bottom of the large sinkhole, which accounts for the higher concentrations, probably acts like a trap for the PAHs. Thus, the low evaporation rate at the bottom may play a key role in controlling the high concentration of PAHs at the bottom.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Foreign Student Building, Room 5020, Wuhan, 430074, China. theohills@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Oramah I
authors.initials: OI
authors.lastname: Theodore
authors.forename: Shihua
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Qi
authors.forename: Xiangsheng
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: Huafeng
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xiangqing
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yinhui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D002681:China; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D011083:Polycyclic Compounds