Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils of Beijing: Status, sources, distribution and potential risk

► The primary sources of PAHs in Beijing soil were vehicle exhaust and coal combustion and the secondary source was the atmospheric deposition of long-range transported PAHs. ► Three areas of high PAH concentration soils are identified by Kriging interpolation included the industrial zone, the historical Hutong district and the university district. ► The estimated incremental lifetime cancer risks associated with exposing to soil PAHs in Beijing for both adults and children are acceptable.