Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E010
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.E010
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, E010 (2023)
Positive matrix factorisation and data mining model in analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) sources and vertical distribution in soils of the age-diverse brownfields of Southern Poland
Krystyna Ciarkowska1, Messias de Carvalho1*, Florian Gambus2
1 Soil Science and Agrophysics Department, University of Agriculture, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
2 Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry Department, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 21, Mickiewicz St., 31-120 Krakow, Poland
* Corresponding author: messias.monteiro.carvalho@student.urk.edu.pl
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are omnipresent environmental contaminants, usually produced through the incomplete combustion of organic substances. Atmospheric PAHs are subject to wet and dry deposition on soils where, not being readily degraded, they tend to accumulate by being adsorbed by soil particles. As a major reservoir of PAHs, the soil system is an important indicator of long-term environmental problems, and knowledge about contaminant sources and the distribution of PAHs in different soil layers is critical for minimising the attendant environmental risks. The main aim was to understand a relation between PAHs accumulation in soils of brownfields that differed in origin (waste after coal mining, power plant, zinc–lead- or iron-ore processing) and age (400 years old to present). PAH contents were determined after their extraction with 2-propanol using a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a Flame Ionisation Detector (FID) and a FactorFour VF-5MS capillary column. Sources of PAHs were identified using positive matrix factorisation (PMF) and for the relevance of the variables explaining the PAH accumulation a random forest (RF) method was used. The studied areas were located in southern Poland, in the provinces of Malopolska and Upper Silesia. Two sites: Buk and Buk-W were located near the town of Bukowno, where Zn and Pb ores have been mined and processed since the 14th century, JAW site was located in the environs of the town of Jaworzno, where coal has been mined since the 18th century, NH site was located in the reworked area close to a big steel smelter––ArcelorMittal. There were also refererence soils taken from unspoilt areas included in the study. PMF analysis highlighted the connection of PAHs sources with the industrial activity performed in the area. PAH concentrations increased with the age of tailings, but always exceeded the threshold-effect levels, indicating their potential to cause harm to humans. RF showed that for 2–3-ring PAHs, the most important factor was the carbon content followed by clay, site, depth, pH and nitrogen, while for other PAHs, only N content and depth exceeded 50% importance. PAHs vertical distributions reflected the history and the time passing from the brownfield site formation. Severe contamination of the brownfield soils indicates the necessity for remediation measures, especially where there are plans to build on these areas.
How to cite
K. Ciarkowska, M. de Carvalho, F. Gambus, 2023. Positive matrix factorisation and data mining model in analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) sources and vertical distribution in soils of the age-diverse brownfields of Southern Poland. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.E010