Soil concentration of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons around the Petrochemical Plant in Płock in 1987-2006

Abstract

Soil concentration of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons around the Petrochemical Plant in Płock in [1987][1988][1989][1990][1991][1992][1993][1994][1995][1996][1997][1998][1999][2000][2001][2002][2003][2004][2005][2006]. The Petrochemical Plant Orlen S.A. in Płock was constructed in the 1960s as one of the largest objects of this type in Europe. The facility was unfortunately located among agricultural areas. In the 1990s the plant implemented a number of investments aimed at lowering pollutant loads released to the environment. There is no information, however, whether these investments were successful in decreasing soil pollution with tar substances and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and raising the security level for agricultural production within the area. The aim of the research was, therefore, to provide this information. The research was conducted within the agricultural area around the plant. Soil samples were collected in the north-eastern direction from the facility, at fi ve research points at: 1 km, 3 km, 6 km, 12 km and 18 km distances. Concentration of tar substances and PAHs was evaluated and compared with the data from 1987. The results show that PAH emissions from the plant decreased due to the aforementioned environmental investments, which in turn resulted in a signifi cant drop of PAH concentration in soils in around the plant (1-3 km). Nevertheless, their level is still high (especially 1 km away from the refi nery) when compared with uncontaminated sites.

Morphological changes and micronuclei frequency in microspore tetrads of Achillea millefolium from the areas of coal-fired power plants

“…The close eastern vicinities of the power plants seemed to be less polluted, because the combustion products such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitric oxides (NO x ) and sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) (Chung-Yih et al 2005) and mercury (Blanvillain et al 2007) are deposited at a further distance from the source, infl uencing ecosystems situated kilometres away. For example in the case of the Płock refi nery (Karaczun et al 2008, Indeka et al 2009) the PAH content in soils was highest at 1 and 6 km distances, in an eastern direction, according to the prevailing winds.…”