Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in diverse agricultural soils of central India: occurrence, sources, and potential risks

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of organic compounds found ubiquitously in the environment and pose serious threat to humans. PAHs have received considerable attention due their carcinogenic properties. In this study, 16 EPA priority were determined agricultural surface soils (0–5 cm) from diverse land use systems central India. ∑16 different soil samples ranged ND–122.52 µg/kg. Total concentration 7 between ND 101.64 The levels varied widely. general, we observed that concentrations followed order: sewage irrigated ≥ fly ash treated > horticulture conservation agriculture farming soil. PAH ash-treated 2–5 times higher than sewage-irrigated soils. containing four five rings most common. Soil carbon (SOC) was positively correlated with (p < 0.05). principal sources these according diagnostic ratios biomass burning (grass, wood, crop residue) coal combustion. addition, it showed potential based on B[a]Peq TEQs. potency contaminated indicate level health risk for