Application of index of general toxic effects of biologically available polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as leading indicator in assessing the quality of industrial-urbanized territories

Abstract

Abstract The authors consider the important issue relating to the assessment towards the terrotory exposed to some toxic effects of man-made polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). As the main criterion applied in referring a territory to a particular level, it is proposed to use indices of the total toxic effects of bioavailable PAHs. Depending on the values of these indicators, we point out seven levels and propose for each one some evidence-based recommendations on the most rational use of industrialized urban territories.