Levels, sources and potential human health risks of organic pollutants in urban soils

Urban soil quality may be severely affected by PAH and PCB contamination, impairing environmental and human health. A comprehensive study was conducted in two contrasting Portuguese urban areas (Lisbon and Viseu) in order to assess the levels of these contaminants and potential risks to human health, to identify sources and study their behavior in soils. The concentrations of PAHs and PCBs were related to the size of the city. The concentrations found in the larger city (Lisbon) were similar to other urban areas. Differences between profiles of the two urban areas were observed for both groups of contaminants, which could be attributed to differences of sources or climate. Lisbon seems to be affected by nearby sources (traffic, industry and incineration processes) whereas in the smaller city atmospheric transport may be playing an important role. Cluster analysis revealed that PAHs and PCBs were associated with anthropogenic toxic elements (Cu, Pb, Zn and Hg in Lisbon; Pb and Hg in Viseu), therefore reflecting common sources. It was also found that organic carbon was an important factor for PAHs and high chlorinated PCB retention in soils. The incremental probability of developing cancer over lifetime, based on a reasonable maximum exposure to PAHs present in Lisbon residential soils, was 9.0 × 10− 6 and 2.4 × 10− 6 for an occupational exposure, both slightly higher than the target risk of 1 × 10− 6. Similarly, the mutagenic risk of PAHs in Lisbon was 3.3 × 10− 5 for residential soils and 1.8 × 10− 6 in recreational areas.

► Levels of PAHs in Lisbon soils are a potential risk to environment and human health.
► PAH cancer or mutagenic risks slightly higher than target value in all land uses.
► Levels and profiles of PAHs and PCBs in the cities studied reflect their sources.
► PAHs and PCB levels were related with anthropogenic toxic element contamination.
► Organic carbon influences the retention of PAHs and heavier PCBs in urban soils.