Enrichment of PAHs and heavy metals in soils in the vicinity of the lignite-fired power plants of West Macedonia (Greece)

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content and selected metals were measured in surface soils in the vicinity of the lignite-fired power plants in the vulnerable region of West Macedonia (Greece). The spatial distribution was assessed by direct comparison and normalisation procedures. The data indicated a moderate enrichment for Cr and Ni and to a lesser extent for Mn and relatively high PAH pollution. The prime source of most of PAHs and trace elements measured is ascribed to lignite combustion and less to other anthropogenic activities or soil composition. PAHs with three and four rings which exist mostly in the vapour phase in the atmosphere, are dispersed over long distances. As for cultivation purposes, the critical metal concentrations for plants in the majority of soil samples are not exceeded except for Ni, while the concentration of PAHs in surveyed soils is considered to be low in all respects.