Long-term environmental monitoring of persistent organic pollutants and metals in a chemical/petrochemical area: Human health risks

Organic pollutants such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as some metals are periodically monitored in soil and vegetation samples collected in Tarragona County (Spain). We here report the temporal trends of the concentrations of the above pollutants between the initial survey (2002) and that recently (2009) performed. The area under evaluation was divided into 4 sections (chemical, petrochemical, urban/residential and unpolluted). In general terms, urban soils presented the highest concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCNs and PAHs, confirming that traffic is a very important emission source of these pollutants. In addition, substantially higher levels of PAHs and some metals were found in vegetation samples from the petrochemical complex. The assessment of health risks of these contaminants indicated that the current concentrations of micropollutants did not mean additional non-carcinogenic or cancer risks for the population living in the zone.

► Traffic is an important emission source of persistent organic pollutants.
► Oil refineries could be notable releasers of PAHs and some metals in the area.
► Soil pollutant levels are notably lower than threshold values.
► The air quality of Tarragona area is not greatly affected by metals and POPs.
► The current exposure to micropollutants does not mean additional health risks.