Distribution Characteristics and Potential Risks of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Pollution at a Typical Industrial Legacy Site in Tianjin, North China

Chaocan Li, Xiaopeng Zhang (), Xuqin Wang, Xinbo Zhang, Shigang Liu, Ting Yuan, Weigui Qu and Youjun Zhang
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Chaocan Li: Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
Xiaopeng Zhang: Tianjin North China Geological Exploration General Institute, Tianjin 300170, China
Xuqin Wang: Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
Xinbo Zhang: Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
Shigang Liu: Tianjin North China Geological Exploration General Institute, Tianjin 300170, China
Ting Yuan: Tianjin North China Geological Exploration General Institute, Tianjin 300170, China
Weigui Qu: Tianjin North China Geological Exploration General Institute, Tianjin 300170, China
Youjun Zhang: Tianjin North China Geological Exploration General Institute, Tianjin 300170, China

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution in the soil of industrial legacy sites is a prominent problem when reusing urban land. To estimate the potential risks of PAHs, this study investigated 16 priority PAHs in the soil at different depths in a typical decommissioned industrial site in Tianjin. PAH concentrations were determined via gas chromatography-(tandem) quadrupole mass spectrometry. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment was applied to assess the potential risks to the population after land reconstruction. The total concentrations of PAHs in the soil at different depths ranged from 38.3 ng·g −1 to 1782.5 ng·g −1 , which were below the risk control standard for soil contamination of development land (GB 36600-2018). Low-ring (two-three ring) PAHs exhibit a dominant component, and the variations in PAH compositions were closely related to the former production units and soil properties. Compared to silty clay layers, PAHs tended to accumulate in the permeable miscellaneous fill layers. Incremental lifetime cancer risk assessment values associated with different exposure pathways for children, adolescents, and adults were calculated. The results showed potential carcinogenic risks for people of varying ages in this area, but they were still acceptable. In general, this legacy site can meet the demands of sustainable land development.

Keywords: PAHs pollution; risk assessment; industrial legacy sites; vertical distribution; land reuse (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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