Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Urban Soils Sealed under Asphalt Concrete.

For the first time, the concentrations of 11 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban sealed soils (ekranozems) and asphalt concrete pavement in eastern Moscow have been determined. The average total PAH content in ekranozems is 14.5 mg/kg, which is 4.5 times higher than in nonpaved soils and 142 times higher than in background soils. The accumulations under asphalt concrete belong to the naphthalene PAH type of pollution, while phenanthrene predominates in background sod-podzolic soils. The maximum total PAH content is registered under asphalt concrete in the humus-accumulative horizon (AYur). Technogenic anomalies with high and very high benzo(a)pyrene concentrations (0.25–0.5 and >0.5 mg/kg, or 12.5–25 and >25 MPC, respectively) are noted in ekranozems of traffic and recreation zones. The removal of asphalt concrete would change the redox conditions and boost the migration capacity of PAHs; their subsequent inclusion in the biological cycle and food chains poses threats to the public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]