Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in soils of greenhouses in Aksu-Fettahli region of Antalya

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) have attracted the attention of researchers for years since they are bioaccumulative, persistent and carcinogenic. Agricultural land, which is a vital resource, needs protection from pollution as it has a key function in food and biomass production. Exposure of agricultural areas to PAHs leads to accumulation of PAHs in humans and animals through food chain and direct contact. Therefore, it is important to determine the concentrations and sources of these compounds in the soil. In this study, PAH levels in tomato produced glass and plastic greenhouse soils in Aksu-Fettahlı region of Antalya, one of the leading provinces in our country, are investigated. In the study, 50 soil samples were taken from glass and plastic greenhouses in both autumn and winter months and analyzed by GC / MS. Seasonal variations of PAH concentrations in plastic and glass greenhouses were evaluated. Especially in winter, PAH concentrations were found higher than autumn. PAH concentrations in glass greenhouses were higher than those in plastic greenhouses. The observed PAH concentrations were found to be below the values observed in the literature. 4-ring PAHs were found to be dominant in both greenhouse types, followed by 5-ring, 3-ring, 6-ring and 2-ring PAH compounds, respectively. The concentrations of PAHs were found to be lower than the limit values and were showed there is no risk for carcinogenity. Based on the source identification study, PAHs originating from diesel vehicle emissions, greenhouse emissions, coal combustion and gasoline vehicle emissions have been observed to be effective in the soil of this region. It is determined that diesel vehicle emission was the major source of PAH contamination in greenhouses. This was followed by greenhouse emissions, coal and wood combustion, gasoline vehicle emissions and jet fuel emissions, respectively.