Is black carbon a better predictor of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon distribution in soils than total organic carbon?
Black carbon (BC) and total organic carbon (TOC) were quantified in the surface soils of Switzerland (N=105) and Delhi (N=36), India, to examine their relationships with contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). BC content in Swiss (background) soils (N=104) varied from 0.41 to 4.75 mg/g (median: 1.13 mg/g) and constituted 1-9% (median: 3%) of TOC. Indian (urban) soils had similar BC concentrations (0.37-2.05 mg/g, median: 1.19 mg/g), with relatively higher BC/TOC (6-23%, median: 13%). Similar to TOC, BC showed significant positive correlation with lighter PAH, but no correlation with heavier PAH in Swiss soils. In contrast, heavier PAH were significantly correlated only with BC in Delhi soils. It seems that TOC governs the distribution of PAH in organic matter rich background soils, while the proximity to emission sources is reflected by BC-PAH association in urban soils.
Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station ART, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland.
Tripti
T
Agarwal
Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station ART, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland. Electronic address: thomas.bucheli@art.admin.ch.
Thomas D
TD
Bucheli
D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D053260:Soot / Q000032:analysis*
D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D053260:Soot; D002244:Carbon