Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Soils Sampled from an Oilfield: Analytical Method by GC-MS, Distribution, Profile, Sources and Impacts

The distribution, profile, sources, and impacts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) in oilfield soils were investigated. The concentrations and distribution of PAHs in soils from five sites (named as S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5) showed different levels of PAHs. The concentrations of total PAHs in the soils ranged from 1340 to 82393 ng/g. The profiles of different number of aromatic rings in each of soil samples followed the order: 5-rings+> 4-rings>3-rings>2-rings. The source analysis revealed that the PAHs in S1 and S2 were generated from crude oil, and the PAHs detected in the other three sites were very likely to be originated from both of petroleum and petroleum combustion. Part of PAHs in the soil samples collected near to oil platform (S1 and S2) were higher than the standard level-B, and should be considered to be remedied; however, levels of PAHs in the other three sites were lower than the standard level-A, and could be used for various land use type.