Effect of the Geological Factor on Polyarenes in Soils

The study, generalization, and comparative analysis of data on the content and composition of polyarenes have been performed for the soils subjected to the impact of the following factors: (1) approach of bituminous material to the surface along the fault zone from the deep layers of sedimentary rocks with the formation of bituminous sandstones and asphalt lenses (Bakhilovo asphalt deposit, Zhiguli dislocations, Samara region); (2) periodical discharge of large amounts of volcanic tephra into the atmosphere resulting in the formation of pyroclastic deposits (near the Avacha Volcano, Kamchatka region); (3) increased geodynamic activity within the area of the recent blocky structure of the earth crust, where a spontaneous upward flux of fluids into the soil is possible (Istra morphostructural node, Moscow region); and (4) high fumarolic activity resulting in the impact of hot water and vapor on the surrounding soils (Golovnin caldera, Island Kunashir, Kuril region). It has been found that the considered manifestations of geological factors can be arranged into the following increasing order: (a) exposure of volcanic tephra as a parent rock (20 ng/g); (b) increased hydrodynamic and fumarolic activity (85–90 ng/g); and (c) penetration of asphalt into the sedimentary rocks (4800 hg/g). According to the diversity of polyarenes identified in the soils, the considered situations form the following increasing series: (a) 9 out of 11 identified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are found in the area of increased geodynamic activity and in the region of volcanic tephra fallouts; (b) 10 PAHs are identified in the asphalt deposit; and (c) all 11 PAHs are identified in the area of fumarolic activity.