The phase distribution and toxicity of compounds found in soils at petroleum and creosote contaminated sites

Health concerns over polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other anthropogenic compounds inherent in petroleum and creosote contaminated soils justify a need to assess the multiphase phase distribution and toxicity of these components within the waste matrix. Identification of the oil, soil and water phase distribution of potentially harmful compounds within the contaminated soil can be used to characterize the physical and chemical mechanisms affecting health risks, contaminant transport, bioavailability and remediation potential at hazardous oil contaminated sites. Toxicity screening of chromatographically separated class components from the bulk oil phase allows identification of potentially harmful groups of compounds that chemical analysis alone cannot provide. Chemical and toxicological analysis of hydrocarbon contaminated soils collected form abandoned petroleum refineries and a wood treatment facility in Alberta, Canada were used to address these issues. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).