Abstract

ORTIZ-SALINAS, R; CRAM, S  and  SOMMER, I. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) in soils of the low alluvial plain in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2012, vol.28, n.2, pp.131-144. ISSN 0186-2979.

This study was carried out in the low alluvial plain of the state of Tabasco, specifically in the oil district of Cinco Presidentes. The objective was to determine the range of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) concentrations in soils used for different purposes in an oil zone, in order to identify the origin of the organic compounds. Gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrophotometer (CG-MS) in the selective ion (SIM) detection mode identified 30 aromatic compounds in the soil samples. PAH concentrations varied in relation to the use of the soil. Soils used for cattle rearing presented approximately 70 ng g^-1, whereas of the soils with natural vegetation, that with popal-apompal presented the greatest concentration (45 ng g^-1). Coconut palm soils recorded a concentration of 10 ng g^-1. These results agree with the concentrations reported for other soils in tropical regions. There are different sources of pollution in the area that markedly affect the abundance and concentration of PAHs in the soils.

Keywords : Organic pollutants; PAHs; tropical soils.

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