title: Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in global background soils.
abstract: The levels and distribution of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in global background soil samples. Total PAH concentrations (sum of 15 compounds) ranged over 5 orders of magnitude, from <1 to 7,840 (mean 328) ng g(-1) dry weight. The order was generally Europe > North America > Asia > Oceania > Africa > South America. Proximity to long-term emissions sources and locations susceptible to high atmospheric depositional inputs tended to have higher concentrations. A broad positive correlation was obtained between population density and soil PAH concentrations (i.e. source-related factors). However, concentrations were also influenced by the holding capacity of the soils (i.e. sink-related factors) with statistically significant correlations observed between PAHs and soil organic matter (SOM), and black carbon (BC).
authors.affiliation: Centre for Chemicals Management and Environmental Science Department, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UKLA1 4YQ.
authors.forename: Jae Jak
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Sweetman
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D011156:Population Density; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D053260:Soot / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D053260:Soot