Presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in apple in rural terrains from Mexico City

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2010 Aug;85(2):179-83. doi: 10.1007/s00128-010-0060-7. Epub 2010 Jul 3.

Abstract

This paper describes PAH concentrations in apple crops that are growing in rural terrains in Mexico City. The concentrations of individual PAHs showed great variability, there being low and high molecular weight compounds in dry (high molecular weight for Tlahuac 7.06 microg/g and Milpa Alta 3.96 microg/g) and wet months (high molecular weight for Tlahuac 11.25 microg/g and Milpa Alta 12.05 microg/g). Some PAHs indicators and cross plot ratios Ant/(Ant + Phe) and Flu/(Flu + Pyr) define fossil fuels and vegetation combustion as the source of contamination over the cuticle of the apples. It is likely that deposition (dry and wet) is the principal source o f contamination over the apple surface. This study reveals the presence of PAHs in apples due to the high air contamination of Mexico City.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture*
  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Food Contamination / analysis*
  • Malus / chemistry*
  • Mexico
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / analysis*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons