Measuring and modelling the vertical distribution of semi-volatile organic compounds in soils. I: PCB and PAH soil core data

Soil cores were collected from undisturbed soils at four locations in the UK and analysed for PCBs, PAHs and soil organic carbon. In all four soil cores ΣPCB and ΣPAH concentrations peaked at or just below the soil surface and declined with depth. Statistically significant correlations were obtained between compound concentrations and organic carbon content in all four soil cores. PAH and PCB homologue profiles at different soil depths and horizons provided information on transport of the compounds in the soils. Fairly constant homologue profiles with depth in the cores suggested that bioturbation may be an important soil transport process for PCBs and PAHs.