Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Dagang oilfield (China): Distribution, sources, and risk assessment

Abstract

The levels of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in 27 upper layer (0–25 cm) soil samples collected from the Dagang Oilfield (China) in April 2013 to estimate their distribution, possible sources, and potential risks posed. The total concentrations of PAHs (ΣPAHs) varied between 103.6 μg·kg−1 and 5872 μg·kg−1, with a mean concentration of 919.8 μg·kg−1; increased concentrations were noted along a gradient from arable desert soil (mean 343.5 μg·kg−1), to oil well areas (mean of 627.3 μg·kg−1), to urban and residential zones (mean of 1856 μg·kg−1). Diagnostic ratios showed diverse source of PAHs, including petroleum, liquid fossil fuels, and biomass combustion sources. Combustion sources were most significant for PAHs in arable desert soils and residential zones, while petroleum sources were a significant source of PAHs in oilfield areas. Based ontheir carcinogenity, PAHs were classified as carcinogenic (B) or not classified/non-carcinogenic (NB). The total concentrations of carcinogenic PAHs (ΣBPAHs) varied from 13.3 μg·kg−1 to 4397 μg·kg−1 across all samples, with a mean concentration of 594.4 μg·kg−1. The results suggest that oilfield soil is subject to a certain level of ecological environment risk.