Assessment of human health risk from crude oil contaminated soils: pollution with PAHs

摘要

Human health risk assessment of contaminated soils with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a multidisciplinary procedure due to their genotoxic and carcinogenic potential. The present paper is illustrating the approach of using risk assessment as a method for investigation and evaluation of contaminated soils with crude oil, particularly pollution with PAHs. The study case is illustrating the functionality of the risk assessment tool related to an area mainly contaminated historically with heavy metals and artificially polluted with crude oil. The area is located Central Romania, close to a specific pollution source - non-ferrous industry. Results of the chemical analysis indicated relatively high concentrations of PAHs. In particular, seven individual PAHs were identified in 12 sampling points from the investigated area, chemicals known as human carcinogens; also concentration level for ΣPAHs (16th compounds) was evidenced. Comparing with limits regulation in force in Romania, the results showed that the concentration level of PAHs has exceeded threshold values of alert or intervention for every single compound at least for one sampling point. The average concentrations of ΣPAHs exceed both the alert and intervention thresholds for sensitive land use. Results of the risk assessment revealed a risk factor of PAHs contaminated soil of 1.1 × 10~(+0), (six orders of magnitude over the acceptable risk of 10~(-6) suggested by the World Health Organization). The paper represents an example of an approach that should be considered by the decision making factors in approving certain projects, but also by the specialists when performing the health risk assessment in relation to certain environmental objectives.