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Alkylated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Are the Largest Contributor to Polycyclic Aromatic Compound Concentrations in the Topsoil of Huaibei Coalfield, China

Author

Listed:
  • Yahui Qian

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
    College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Zhenpeng Xu

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
    College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Xiuping Hong

    (College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China)

  • Zhonggeng Luo

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
    College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Xiulong Gao

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
    College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Cai Tie

    (College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Handong Liang

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
    College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China)

Abstract

Alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (APAHs) are more toxic and persistent than their parent compounds. Here, the concentrations, composition profiles, and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in 127 topsoil samples from Huaibei coalfield were analyzed. The PAC concentrations in different functional areas were significantly different: mining area > industrial area > residential area > agricultural area. APAHs were the major contributors to PACs, accounting for 71–83% of total PACs. Alkylnaphthalenes and alkylphenanthrenes were the primary APAH components, accounting for 83–87% of APAHs. Principal component analysis showed that petrogenic source, coal and biomass combustion, and vehicle emissions were the primary sources of PACs. By comparing the fingerprint information of soil, coal, and coal gangue, it was hypothesized that the petrogenic source of PAC pollution in typical mining areas and surrounding areas are coal particle scattering and coal gangue weathering. Some coal mining and industrial areas potentially pose risks to children, whereas others do not. There are limited evaluation criteria for alkyl PAHs; hence, the estimated risk is likely lower than the actual risk. In addition to the conventional 16 PAHs, it is critical to consider a broader range of PACs, especially APAHs.

Suggested Citation

  • Yahui Qian & Zhenpeng Xu & Xiuping Hong & Zhonggeng Luo & Xiulong Gao & Cai Tie & Handong Liang, 2022. "Alkylated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Are the Largest Contributor to Polycyclic Aromatic Compound Concentrations in the Topsoil of Huaibei Coalfield, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12733-:d:933940
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chengcheng Li & Xin Zhang & Xubo Gao & Shihua Qi & Yanxin Wang, 2019. "The Potential Environmental Impact of PAHs on Soil and Water Resources in Air Deposited Coal Refuse Sites in Niangziguan Karst Catchment, Northern China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-16, April.
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