Evaluation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in urban soil from Maicao, Colombia

Abstract

The presence of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and their effects on soil properties in urban area of Maicao, Colombia, was evaluated. 18 sites were selected: nine contaminated and nine non-contaminated and two depths (0-30 cm and 30-60 cm) were evaluated. The medium TPH fraction (Soxhlet reflux method, EPA 3540C) and heavy TPH fraction (Soxhlet reflux method, EPA 3550C) were extracted. TPH were identified by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Soil parameters related potential adsorption were determined: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), texture; soil moisture retention, aggregate stability. High contents of TPH was found in all fractions. No significant changes were found for texture and (EC). There was an increase in the content of OC (500%), soil aggregation and aggregate stability (200%); slight decrease pH, CEC and soil moisture retention (23.5% soil surface). These results show the vulnerability of the urban soils to the TPH contamination and exposure of the human population to these contaminants.

Keywords

• calidad del suelo
• contaminación del suelo por hidrocarburos
• propiedades físicas del suelo
• propiedades químicas del suelo