Determination of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations of olive groves in spring season

Abstract

Soil pollution is an important problem in the world. Various organic micro pollutants accumulate in the soil structure. In regions where olive farming activities are concentrated, it is very important to determine the concentrations of pollutants in the soil such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in the lipophilic property. In the present study, it was aimed to determine concentrations and 3-month homologue distribution of PCBs which are important in human health and environment in olive fields for spring in Bursa. Soil samples were extracted by ultrasonic method and PCB concentrations were measured by gas chromatography- micro-electron capture detector. As a result of the measurements, PCB pollution in olive groves in industrial areas was relatively higher than in rural areas. The PCB homologue group was identified as the most dominant group in 3 months. Then soil temperature has no significant effect on the total PCB concentration in soil. The data obtained in the present study reveals that PCB pollution level is within the acceptable limits in the sampling areas. This research, suggests that the concentration of PCBs in olive leaves and olives should also be investigated and the risks should be determined in the olive groves in Bursa province where olive cultivation is intense.