AUREL NURO, BLEDAR MURTAJ
Abstract
This study shown the occurrence and distribution of petroleum-related hydrocarbons in agricultural soils from the Patos–Marinza area, the most important oil-producing region in Albania. Samples were collected in April 2026 from several locations of Belin, Marinza, Kuman and Zharrëz (part of Patos-Marinza area). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), BTEX compounds and n-alkanes were analysed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID). The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of hydrocarbon contamination in soil samples (agricultural soils) and to identify the most polluted sites of this impacted area from the extracting of oil processes. In agricultural soils, total PAHs ranged from 0.645 to 2.555 mg/kg, total BTEX from 0.679 to 3.370 mg/kg, and total n-alkanes from 0.752 to 2.536 mg/kg. The most contaminated soil samples were in two stations at Zharrëz, indicating strong accumulation of petroleum-derived hydrocarbons in agricultural land. The presence of BTEX, PAHs and n-alkanes in agricultural soil suggests mixed hydrocarbon contamination, likely associated with oil extraction, transport, runoff, atmospheric deposition and weathered petroleum residues. Soils can accumulate hydrocarbons (and other pollutants) making this sample type strongly influenced by pollution, especially when the source of pollution is in short distances, intense and for a prolonged time. The findings highlight the necessity for continued monitoring, seasonal sampling, and further ecological and agricultural risk evaluation in this area.
Key words: Patos-Marinza area, Soil samples, PAH, BTEX, n-Alkanes, GC/FID.