Transfer of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Soil into Selected Plants

Abstract

The influence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in soil on plant production quality was investigated. A series of pot, field, and laboratory tests were performed. The results showed that the transfer of PAHs into plants is influenced mainly by chemical characteristics of aromatics, by soil characteristics (the content and quality of organic matter) and by plant characteristics (plant species and bodies). The pot and field tests confirmed the prevailing influence of emissions on the PAH load of mustard shoots compared with PAH transfer from the soil. Nevertheless, an increased transfer of PAHs containing less aromatic rings into the middle parts of carrot roots was confirmed for sandy soils. Increased contents of PAHs were also detected in primary bark of carrot roots in sludge application. These findings were confirmed by laboratory extraction tests.