Determination of total suspended particles and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations in air of selected locations at Kirkuk, Iraq

Abstract

The mean concentrations of total suspended particles in air at Kirkuk Oil Refinery and the areas around were determined by using low volume air sampler (Sniffer) at selected locations in two periods at October 2010 and March 2011. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations in air were identified and determined as well as a part of total suspended particles. The results obtained from total suspended particles were higher in average on March period measurement (956.8 ppm) than on October period (818.9 ppm). The total maximum concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air reached 67.7 μg/m3 in October; while in March, it reached 145.3 μg/m3. This increment in concentrations at March can be referred to the increasing fuel combustion operations at the location as well as increasing of dust storms during March with relatively higher wind speed that may add another reason for the effect of meteorological factors on the air quality and on the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons distribution.