Characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil horizon from high-altitude mountains in Northeastern China

Abstract Previous studies have reported that soils from high altitude mountains act as primary reservoirs of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution and illuminate the behaviors of PAHs in soil profiles from Mt. Wangtiane in Northeastern China. Soil samples were collected by different soil genetic horizon rather than by depths at 10 sites, with altitudes from 1000 m to 2022 m. Results showed significantly ( p −1 ) than those in A- and B-horizons (362 ± 30 to 666 ± 58 ng −1 and 289 ± 23 to 571 ± 50 ng g −1 , respectively). An increasing trend of PAH concentrations with altitude was observed from elevation ca. 1000 m to ca. 1800 m, but no correlation between PAH concentrations and altitude along transect was found. Total organic carbon (TOC) was strongly correlated ( p