The concentrations, spatial distribution, sources and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Maoping karstic valley, Central China with totally 27 surface soil samples collected in October, 2019 were investigated. The average concentrations were 42.4 ± 38.5 ng·g⁻¹, for Σ16PAHs. In general, the concentrations of 4.56~20.05 ng/g. The results of molecular diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that PAHs in the study area were mainly originated from petroleum combustion and coal/biomass combustion emission. The incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) fluctuated from 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁵ for PAHs, which indicated that PAHs in the surface soils of Sixi pose a potential cancer risk to local resident.
 

Hydrogeological conditions, Karst trough zone, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) migration, Source analysis, Maoping River