Recalcitrance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil contributes to background pollution

The microbial accessibility of native phenanthrene and pyrene was determined in soils representing background scenarios for pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The soils were selected to cover a wide range of concentrations of organic matter (1.7–10.0%) and total PAHs (85–952 μg/kg). The experiments included radiorespirometry determinations of biodegradation with 14C-labeled phenanthrene and pyrene and chemical analyses to determine the residual concentrations of the native compounds. Part of the tests relied on the spontaneous biodegradation of the chemicals by native microorganisms; another part also involved inoculation with PAH-degrading bacteria. The results showed the recalcitrance of PAHs already present in the soils. Even after extensive mineralization of the added 14C-PAHs, the concentrations of native phenanthrene and pyrene did not significantly decrease. We suggest that aging processes operating at background concentrations may contribute to recalcitrance and, therefore, to ubiquitous pollution by PAHs in soils.

► Background PAHs in soils are highly resistant to biodegradation.
► Recalcitrance occurs even after inoculation with specialized microorganisms.
► Recalcitrance is caused by a low bioaccessibility and aging.
► Time (aging) seems a relevant factor causing recalcitrance.
► Recalcitrance can explain ubiquitous PAH background pollution.