Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in olive fruits as a measure of air pollution in the Valley of Florence (Italy)

Olives from trees grown in the valley of Florence, Italy, were analyzed for PAH concentrations. Area air samples were also analyzed. Results indicated the presence of PAHs, especially benzo[ alpha ]pyrene, in all olive fruits. The main source of PAH contamination was automobile exhaust. PAH concentrations were positively correlated to the elevation of the sampling sites. Air particulate levels of total PAH and benzo[ alpha ] pyrene were correlated to similar values in the olive fruits. PAH accumulation appeared more a consequence of altitude than of the presence of automobile traffic.