Content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil fertilized with composted municipal waste

The object of our study is soil fertilized with a variety of compost produced from unsorted municipal waste maturing in heaps for different lengths of time, and with green waste compost. Municipal waste composts were applied at rates of 10 and 30 g·kg-1 soil, whereas green waste compost was introduced to soil as 10 g·kg-1 soil. Processes that take place during compost maturation have resulted in an increased concentration f polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. More PAHs were determined in municipal waste composts than in green waste compost. Fertilization of soil with municipal waste composts increased the content of PAHs in soil, but in most cases the natural concentration of these compounds was not exceeded. However, the total PAHs more than 200 μg·kg-1 d.m. soil, which is above the natural content, were observed in the objects where the highest rates of one- and three-month-old composts were applied. In the objects fertilized with green waste compost, total PAHs (as well as the levels of particular compounds) were close to the values recorded for the control object.