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Coking is one of the most important emission sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in China. Investigation of the contamination, distribution, and sources of PAHs in agricultural soils around Rong Xin coking plant, China, was conducted, and the potential human health risks were addressed. The total concentration of the 16 PAHs (∑16PAHs) on the United States Environmental Protection Agency priority list had a range from 1774 to 4621 µg/kg (mean 3016 µg/kg). Meanwhile, seven carcinogenic PAHs (∑PAH7c) owned the total concentrations of 684–2105 µg/kg, and they had the benzo[a]pyrene equivalent (BaPeq) concentrations at 139.616–1672.850 µg/kg. All soil samples were dominated by PAHs with two to four rings. Data analyses for the potential sources of PAHs showed that the PAHs in soils were principally from pyrogenic sources. Ecological risk assessment of soil PAHs showed that the BaPeqconcentrations of ∑PAH7caccounted for 99% of the total ∑16PAHs, being a major carcinogenic contributors of ∑16PAHs. Higher levels of PAHs and higher total BaPeqconcentrations in this study indicate a potential carcinogenic risk for humans. Therefore, long-term exposure to coking plants may increase the PAH concentrations in the environment and further raise a potential risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The concentration, composition, distribution, and possible sources of phthalate esters (PAEs) in surface sediments from fishing ports in the Circum-Bohai-Sea region were investigated. The potential ecological risks of PAEs on three sensitive aquatic organisms (algae, crustacean, and fish) were assessed based on the risk quotient. The concentrations of 16 PAEs were in the range of 8.53–86.13 μg/g. Six PAEs, which were considered as priority pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, were main congeners. Fishing ports with high PAE concentration were located near the eastern area of the Shandong Peninsula, the southern area of the Liaodong Peninsula, and the estuary of the Yellow River. Wastewater, atmospheric deposition, plastic, and rubber products were possible sources of PAEs. The PAEs showed medium to high ecological risks on the three aquatic organisms, and the ecological risks were attributed to four PAEs, including dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, and benzylbutyl phthalate. • The levels of PAE in fishing ports in Circum-Bohai-Sea region were medium to high. • The positive result of PAEs was in the range of 92.5%–100% in fishing ports. • DEHP and DEP were important congeners discriminating PAE pollution. • Possible sources were wastewater, atmospheric deposition, plastic, and rubber. • Risks were attributed to DMP, DEP, DBP, and BBP with medium to high levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]