Accumulation of PAHs in Tundra Plants and Soils under the Influence of Coal Mining

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in soils and plants in the Bolshezemelskaya tundra have been investigated at the sites affected by coal mining in comparison with the control ecosystems. Contribution of individual plant species to the total PAH accumulation is based on plant biomass data. In shrub tundra communities, the highest PAH concentrations are found in Pleurozium schreberi moss due to its high biomass and ability for active PAH accumulation. This species can be used for ecological monitoring of PAHs concentrations in the tundra communities. Light PAHs are more abundant in soils, plants of both contaminated and control sites as well as in the coal. But the highest excesses of PAH content in comparison with the control values are found for the high-molecular-weight PAHs due to their minimal concentration at the control site. Research on PAH accumulation in the organs of plants has revealed that polyarenes had fallen on the shrubs surfaces from the atmosphere and get accumulated in the plant superficial tissues without further penetration. Deciduous plant species accumulate more PAHs in leaves than evergreen shrubs do. Plants of herbal life form accumulate PAHs mainly from soil.