Benz[a]anthracene in earthworms from the Saartal and the city of Leipzig
Differences in contamination between two regions with high anthropogenic impact
Benz[a]anthracene is mainly produced by combustion of organic material. It is environmentally persistent and accumulates in organisms.
Benz[a]anthracene levels differ strongly in earthworms from two sites with high anthropogenic impact. In the Saartal contamination of earthworms is up to 19-times higher than in Leipzig. Concentration trends over time are not apparent at either site. These data point towards strong differences in benz[a]anthracene soil contamination.
Fig. 1: Benz[a]anthracene in earthworms from the Saartal and the city of Leipzig
Updated at: 2022-01-05
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Specimen
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
Analytes
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with four connected six-membered rings
Sampling area
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Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany
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Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany.