Modeling of Migration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Groundwater Considering Biological Degradation

The problem of groundwater pollution by benz(a)pyrene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the sources of which may be accumulators of industrial wastes from coke-chemical and oil-refining enterprises, is considered. It is shown that as a result of microbial degradation of benz(a)pyrene in soil and groundwater, the formation of carcinogenic substances with good solubility and low ability to sorption on soil particles is possible, which contributes to their rapid accumulation and migration in groundwater. With the help of mathematical modeling and developed software, the distribution of benz(a)pyrene and its degradation products in groundwater from the coal tar waste storage pond located in Ulan-Ude was assessed. Marker substances for monitoring the environmental situation around industrial waste disposal facilities containing benz(a)pyrene and other PAHs are proposed.