Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on agricultural lands surrounding Tehran oil refinery

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Soil samples at two depths were collected and analyzed to determine the concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic carbon, and soil pH. The Σ16PAHs were 0.13 to 3.92 mg kg−1 at depth 1 and 0.21 to 50.32 mg kg−1at depth 2. The averages of the PAH compounds indicate that the area is contaminated with oil, and this pollution was greater at depth 2. Interpolation maps showed that the southern region, especially at depth 2, has been contaminated more by anthropogenic activity. The diagnostic ratios indicate several sources of pollution of the agricultural soil. A comparison of average PAHs and standard values revealed that higher molecular weight compounds in the topsoil (InP and BghiP) and subsoil (BaA, BkF, BaP, DBA, and BghiP) exceed standard values for farmland. The pH interpolation map for both depths showed that most of the area has alkaline soil from long-term irrigation with untreated urban wastewater.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agarwal, T., Khillare, P. S., Shridhar, V., & Ray, S. (2009). Pattern, sources and toxic potential of PAHs in the agricultural soils of Delhi, India. [Research Support, Non-U S Gov't]. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 163(2-3), 1033–1039.

  • Anonymous (2008). Investigation of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals accumulation in agricultural soil and crops in south of Tehran city. Final Report, Alzahra university, (In Persion with English abstract), Tehran, Iran, 270P.

  • Bouloubassi, I., Roussiez, V., Azzoug, M., & Lorre, A. (2012). Sources, dispersal pathways and mass budget of sedimentary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the NW Mediterranean margin, Gulf of Lions. Marine Chemistry, 142–144, 18–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, H., Teng, Y., & Wang, J. (2012). Source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments of the Rizhao coastal area (China) using diagnostic ratios and factor analysis with nonnegative constraints. Science of the Total Environment, 414(0), 293–300. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.10.057.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chung, M. K., Hu, R., Cheung, K. C., & Wong, M. H. (2007). Pollutants in Hong Kong soils: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Chemosphere, 67, 464–473.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fengpeng, H., Zhihuan, Z., Yunyang, W., Song, L., Liang, W., & Qingwei, B. (2009). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of Beijing and Tianjin region: vertical distribution, correlation with TOC and transport mechanism. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 21(5), 675–685.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernández, P., Vilanova, R. M., Martínez, C., Appleby, P., & Grimalt, J. O. (2000). The historical record of atmospheric pyrolytic pollution over Europe registered in the sedimentary PAH from remote mountain lakes. Environmental Science & Technology, 34(10), 1906–1913.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, Y., Wu, S. C., Yu, X. Z., & Wong, M. H. (2010). Dissipation gradients of phenanthrene and pyrene in the Rice rhizosphere. Chemosphere, 81, 1084–1090.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gocht, T., Johannes, A. C., Epp, M., Jochmann, M., Blessing, M., Schmidt, T. C., & Grathwohl, P. (2007). Indications for pedogenic formation of perylene in a terrestrial soil profile: depth distribution and first results from stable carbon isotope ratios. Applied Geochemistry, 22(12), 2652–2663. doi:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2007.06.004.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gonul, L. T., & Kucuksezgin, F. (2012). Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface sediments from the Eastern Aegean: assessment and source recognition of petroleum hydrocarbons. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 19(1), 31–41. doi:10.1007/s11356-011-0524-2.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Götz, R., Bauer, O. H., Friesel, P., & Roch, K. (1998). Organic trace compounds in the water of the River Elbe near Hamburg part II. Chemosphere, 36(9), 2103–2118. doi:10.1016/S0045-6535(98)00009-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao, R., Wan, H.-F., Song, Y.-T., Jiang, H., & Peng, S.-L. (2007). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in agricultural soils of the southern subtropics, China. Pedosphere, 17(5), 673–680. doi:10.1016/S1002-0160(07)60081-2.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hani, A., Pazira, E., Manshouri, M., Babaie Kafaky, S., & Ghahroudi Tali, M. (2010). Spatial distribution and mapping of risk elements pollution in agricultural soils of southern Tehran, Iran. Plant, Soil and Environment, 56(6), 288–296.

  • He, F., Zhang, Z., Wan, Y., Song, L., Wang, L., & Qingwei, B. (2009). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of Beijing and Tianjin region: vertical distribution, correlation with TOC and transport mechanism. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 21(5), 675–685.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, S. S., Liao, Q. L., Hua, M., Wu, X. M., Bi, K. S., Yan, C. Y., Chen, B., & Zhang, X. Y. (2007). Survey of heavy metal pollution and assessment of agricultural soil in Yangzhong district, Jiangsu Province, China. Chemosphere, 67(11), 2148–2155.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hung, C. C., Gong, G. C., Ko, F. C., Lee, H. J., Chen, H. Y., Wu, J. M., Hsu, M. L., Peng, S. C., Nan, F. H., & Santschi, P. H. (2011). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the East China Sea and their relationship with carbonaceous materials. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 63(5–12), 464–70.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, J. (1999). Fate and effects of linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAS) in the terrestrial environment. Science of the Total Environment, 226(6), 93–111.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, KC., Grimmer, G., Jacob, J., & Johnston, A. E. (1989). Changes in the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon content of wheat grain and pasture grassland over the last century from one site in the U.K. Science of the Total Environment, 78, 117–30.

  • Kavouras, I. G., Koutrakis, P., Tsapakis, M., Lagoudaki, E., Stephanou, E. G., Von Baer, D., & Oyola, P. (2001). Source apportionment of urban particulate aliphatic and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using multivariate methods. Environmental Science and Technology, 35(11), 2288–94.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krauss, M., Wilcke, W., & Zech, W. (2000). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in forest soils: depth distribution as indicator of different fate. Environmental Pollution, 110(1), 79–88.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, Y., Chen, L., Jianfu, Z., Qinghui, H., Zhiliang, Z., & Hongwen, G. (2008). Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of rivers and an estuary in Shanghai, China. Environmental Pollution, 154(2), 298–305. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2007.10.020.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ma, L., Chu, S., Cheng, H., Wang, X., Liu, X., & Xu, X. (2005). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contamination in subsoil from outskirts of Beijing, People’s Republic of China. Geoderma, 129(3–4), 200–210. doi:10.1016/j.geoderma.2004.11.026.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Magi, E., Bianco, R., Ianni, C., & Di Carro, M. (2002). Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments of the Adriatic Sea. Environmental Pollution, 91(1), 91–98. doi:10.1016/S0269-7491(01)00321-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maliszewska-Kordybach, B., Smreczak, B., & Klimkowicz-Pawlas, A. (2009). Concentrations, sources, and spatial distribution of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in agricultural soils in the Eastern part of the EU: Poland as a case study. Science of the Total Environment, 407(12), 3746–53.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mikkonen, A., Hakala, K. P., Lappi, K., Kondo, E., Vaalama, A., & Suominen, L. (2012). Changes in hydrocarbon groups, soil ecotoxicity and microbiology along horizontal and vertical contamination gradients in an old landfarming field for oil refinery waste. Environmental Pollution, 162(0), 374–380. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2011.12.012.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mohammad Rusan, M. J., Hinnawi, S., & Rousan, L. (2007). Long term effect of wastewater irrigation of forage crops on soil and plant quality parameters. Desalination, 215(1–3), 143–152. doi:10.1016/j.desal.2006.10.032.

  • MOOPAM. (1999). Manual of Oceanographic Observation and Pollution Analysis. Regional organization for the protection of marine environment (ROPME, Kuwait):220P.

  • Qiao, M., Wang, C., Huang, S., Wang, D., & Wang, Z. (2006). Composition, sources, and potential toxicological significance of PAHs in the surface sediments of the Meiliang Bay, Taihu Lake, China. Environment International, 32(1), 28–33. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2005.04.005.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • R Core Team. (2011). R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. http://www.R-project.org/. Accessed 12 May 2011.

  • Rogge, W. F., Hildemann, L. M., Mazurek, M. A., Cass, G. R., & Simoneit, B. R. T. (1993a). Sources of fine organic aerosol: 2. Noncatalyst and catalyst-equipped automobiles and heavy-duty diesel trucks. Environmental Science and Technology, 27, 636–651.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rogge, W. F., Hildemann, L. M., Mazurek, M. A., Cass, G. R., & Simoneit, B. R. T. (1993b). Sources of fine organic aerosol: 3. Road dust, tire debris, and organometallic brake lining dust: roads as sources and sinks. Environmental Science and Technology, 27, 1892–1904.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, J., Estefan, G., & Rashid, A. (2007). Soil and plant analysis laboratory manual: ICARDA.

  • Schipper, L. A., Williamson, J. C., Kettles, H. A., & Speir, T. W. (1996). Impact of land-applied tertiary-treated effluent on soil biochemical properties. Journal of Environmental Quality, 25(5), 1073–1077.

  • Shahbazi, A., Bahramifar, N., & Smolders, E. (2012). Elevated concentrations of pesticides and PCBs in soils at the southern Caspian Sea (Iran) are related to land use. Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal, 21(2), 160–175.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sicre, M. A., Marty, J. C., Saliot, A., Aparicio, X., Grimalt, J., & Albaiges, J. (1987). Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in different sized aerosols over the Mediterranean Sea: occurrence and origin. Atmospheric Environment (1967), 21, 2247–2259. doi:10.1016/0004-6981(87)90356-8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Soclo, H. H., Ph, G., & Ewald, M. (2000). Origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coastal marine sediments: case studies in Cotonou (Benin) and Aquitaine (France) areas. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 40(5), 387–396. doi:10.1016/S0025-326X(99)00200-3.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tao, S., Cui, Y. H., Xu, F. L., Li, B. G., Cao, J., Liu, W. X., Schmitt, G., Wang, W. J., Shen, W. R., Qing, B. P., & Sun, R. (2004). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in agricultural soil and vegetables from Tianjin. Science of the Total Environment, 320(1), 11–24. doi:10.1016/S0048-9697(03)00453-4.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Telysheva, G., Jashina, L., Lebedeva, G., Dizhbite, T., Solodovnik, V., Mutere, O., Grigiškis, S., Baškys, E., & Aikaite, J. (2011). Use of plants to remediate soil polluted with oil. Proceedings of the 8th International Scientific and Practical Conference Volume 1.

  • Wong, S. C., Li, X. D., Zhang, G., Qi, S. H., & Min, Y. S. (2002). Heavy metals in agricultural soils of the Pearl River Delta, South China. Environmental Pollution, 119(1), 33–44. doi:10.1016/S0269-7491(01)00325-6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yan, J., Wang, L., Fu, P. P., & Yu, H. (2004). Photomutagenicity of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the US EPA priority pollutant list. Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis, 557(1), 99–108. doi:10.1016/j.mrgentox.2003.10.004.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yunker, M. B., Macdonald, R. W., Vingarzan, R., Mitchell, R. H., Goyette, D., & Sylvestre, S. (2002). PAHs in the Fraser River basin: a critical appraisal of PAH ratios as indicators of PAH source and composition. Organic Geochemistry, 33(4), 489–515. doi:10.1016/S0146-6380(02)00002-5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, J., Yang, J., Wang, R., Hou, H., Du, X., Fan, S., Liu, J., & Dai, J. (2013). Effects of pollution sources and soil properties on distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and risk assessment. Science of the Total Environment, 463–464

  • Zhang, J., Dai, J., Du, X., Li, F., Wang, W., & Wang, R. (2012). Distribution and sources of petroleum-hydrocarbon in soil profiles of the Hunpu wastewater-irrigated area, China’s northeast. Geoderma, 173–174(0), 215–223. doi:10.1016/j.geoderma.2011.12.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Tehran Regional Water Company. The authors thank Dr. Salemi for his help with the GC, Dr. Mirbagheri from the GIS and Remote Scene Institute for his help with the GIS, and Ms. Refahati, manager of the lab, for her assistance in the laboratory.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Pollutants Research, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., P.O. Box 19835-196, Tehran, Iran

    J. Bayat, S. H. Hashemi & A. Shahbazi

  2. Department of Agroecology, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Tehran, Iran

    K. Khoshbakht & R. Deihimfard

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad Branch, Iran

    R. Momeni-Vesalian

Authors
  1. J. Bayat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. H. Hashemi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. K. Khoshbakht
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. R. Deihimfard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. A. Shahbazi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. R. Momeni-Vesalian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. H. Hashemi.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bayat, J., Hashemi, S.H., Khoshbakht, K. et al. Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on agricultural lands surrounding Tehran oil refinery. Environ Monit Assess 187, 451 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-015-4646-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-015-4646-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation