Investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil at Agra, India--a case study.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are released into the environment from anthropogenic sources, such as combustion of fossil fuels, refused burning, industrial processes and motor vehicle exhausts. The concentration of PAHs in roadside soil was measured at St. John's crossing, which lies in the centre of Agra city and exposed to heavy traffic. The samples were extracted with hexane by ultrasonic agitation. The extracts were then fractioned on a silica-gel column and the aromatic fraction was subjected to HPLC for analysis of 16 priority PAH pollutants specified by environment protection agency (EPA). Total mean concentration of PAHs was found to be 15.29 microg g(-1) and it ranged from 6.72-25.91 microg g(-1). Fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(ghi)perylene were found to be the most abundant PAHs at this location.