Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered priority pollutants due to their distribution, persistence, bioaccumulation, and adverse effects on human health. The aim of this study was to obtain the first insight into PAHs mass concentrations bound to airborne particulate matter (PM) in the mid Adriatic coast area of Croatia, and compare them with the PAH levels in Croatia’s urban central area. Relatively low values of PAH mass concentrations were measured in the coastal area, compared to the continental urban region of Croatia impacted by increased emissions due to intensive traffic, industry, and residential heating. A high PM10 contribution of four-ring PAHs (Flu and Pyr) at Martinska site indicated that wood burning heating as well as open fire events, including waste incineration, could be important emission sources of PAHs in the mid Adriatic coast region.
Highlights
Particulate matter (PM) is a major pollutant that can affect air quality, and human and ecosystem safety.[1,2] The term “particulate matter” or “aerosol” refers to the dispersed liquid and/or solid phase in the air
Adverse health effects linked to PM exposure distress, mostly but not exclusively the respiratory and cardiovascular system,[3] as the PM fraction can adsorb greater concentrations of toxic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).[4]
As there is no available data on the PAH composition of ambient aerosols in the mid Adriatic coast, the present study provides valuable background knowledge to better understand the variabilities of organic pollutants as well as the air quality conditions in coastal regions of Croatia
Summary
Particulate matter (PM) is a major pollutant that can affect air quality, and human and ecosystem safety.[1,2] The term “particulate matter” or “aerosol” refers to the dispersed liquid and/or solid phase in the air. Concentrations of specific PAH compounds at Martinska, Zagreb south and Zagreb north decreased in the following order: Martinska: BbF>BghiP>IP>BaP=Flu>Pyr>Chry>BjF>BkF>BaA> >DahA
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