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Distribution and potential sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils around coal-fired power plants in South Africa

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Abstract

The distribution and potential sources of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils in the vicinity of three South African coal-fired power plants were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. PAH compound ratios such as phenanthrene/phenanthrene + anthracene (Phen/Phen + Anth) were used to provide reliable estimation of emission sources. The total PAH concentration in the soils around three power plants ranged from 9.73 to 61.24 μg g−1, a range above the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry levels of 1.0 μg g−1 for significantly contaminated site. Calculated values of Phen/Phen + Anth ratio were 0.48 ± 0.08, 0.44 ± 0.05, and 0.38 + 0.04 for Matla, Lethabo, and Rooiwal, respectively. Flouranthene/fluoranthene + pyrene (Flan/Flan + Pyr) were found to be 0.49 ± 0.03 for Matla, 0.44 ± 0.05 for Lethabo, and 0.53 ± 0.08 for Rooiwal. Such values indicate a pyrolytic source of PAHs. Higher molecular weight PAHs (five to six rings) were predominant, suggesting coal combustion sources. A good correlation existed between most of the PAHs implying that these compounds were emitted from similar sources. The carcinogenic potency B[a]P equivalent concentration (B[a] Peq) at the three power plants ranged from 3.61 to 25.25 indicating a high carcinogenic burden. The highest (B[a] Peq) was found in samples collected around Matla power station. It can therefore be concluded that the soils were contaminated with PAHs originating from coal-fired power stations.

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Acknowledgment

The authors would like to acknowledge the generosity of the executive dean of the College of Science Engineering and Technology (UNISA) for the financial support of Mr O.O. Okedeyi.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, University of South Africa, P. O. Box 392, UNISA, Pretoria, 0003, South Africa

    Olumuyiwa O. Okedeyi, Mathew M. Nindi & Simiso Dube

  2. Environmental Science Department, University of South Africa, Bag X6 Florida, 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa

    O. R. Awofolu

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  1. Olumuyiwa O. Okedeyi
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  2. Mathew M. Nindi
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  3. Simiso Dube
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  4. O. R. Awofolu
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Correspondence to Mathew M. Nindi.

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Okedeyi, O.O., Nindi, M.M., Dube, S. et al. Distribution and potential sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils around coal-fired power plants in South Africa. Environ Monit Assess 185, 2073–2082 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2689-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2689-7

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