Analysis of extreme roadside pollution with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in areas with intense traffic

The paper presents the results of our own experimental investigations of the contamination of roadside deposits and road surfaces of some St. Petersburg streets with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benz(α)pyrene and heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd). It also analyses the results of the investigations of the same problem, performed in Voronezh, Kazan, Krasnoyarsk, Moscow and Samara. It was found that the concentration of benzo(α)pyrene in roadside dust fractions and soils was, on average, 2-10 SLV. However, there were single samples exceeding the standard limit value by 25-100 times. The concentrations of some heavy metals also were higher than background values by several times. The study has confirmed significant contribution of motor transport to dangerous technogenic pollution of the environment in cities.