Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in surface soils and street dusts in Detroit, Michigan

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic contaminants that were produced and used in large quantities for their stability, inertness, and other desirable electrical, cooling, and lubricating properties. Due to their environmental persistence and improper disposal, these contaminants have become broadly distributed in the environment. This study examines the levels, composition, distribution, and potential sources of these compounds in surface soils and street dusts collected at 19 residential and industrial areas in Detroit, Michigan. Each sample was analyzed for 32 PCN and 37 PCB congeners using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The geometric mean concentrations of total PCNs and total PCBs were 61 (range:11-1933) and 432 (range: 32-18,637) ng/g, respectively. The most common PCNs were tetra- to hexacongeners and PCN-59 was most prevalent individual congener. For PCBs, hexaPCBs were most common and PCB-158 was dominant. PCN and PCB levels in soils at most sites exceeded health-based guideline levels. Given the short half-lives of PCNs and restrictions on PCN and PCB production, our results imply ongoing or recent releases. Emission sources identified by principal components and other analyses include industrial thermal processes included fuel combustion and electrical waste handling at a scrap metal processor for PCNs and PCBs, respectively. The presence of sources and "hotspots" of these toxic "legacy" contaminants in urban settings like Detroit highlight the potential for human exposure and the need to identify and control sources to prevent further environmental dispersal, exposure and risk.