Quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil at McMurdo Station, Antarctica

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of compounds that have attracted much attention over the past several years. The United States Env ironmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified numerous PAHs as known or probable human carcinogens. The quantity of PAHs in the environment has dramatically increased, with the majority emitted from fossil fuel combusti on sources. Surface soil samples were collected at McMurdo Station, Antarct ica (77 degrees 51' S, 166 degrees 41' E), during peak summer activity and analyzed for PAHs. PAHs were detected at several locations, with maximum co ncentrations for naphthalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, and fluoranthen e at 27 000, 17 800, 15 700, and 13 300 mg/kg, respectively. Results sugges t anthropogenic activities may be contributing to increased levels of PAHs present in McMurdo soils. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.