Factors controlling benzo(a)pyrene concentration in aerosols in the urbanized coastal zone. A case study: Gdynia, Poland (Southern Baltic Sea)

Marta Staniszewska,Bożena Graca,Magdalena Bełdowska,Dominika Saniewska

doi:10.1007/s11356-012-1315-0

Marta Staniszewska, Bożena Graca + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-1315-0

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Abstract

Annual study on the benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) concentration in aerosols in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdansk (southern Baltic) has been performed at Gdynia station. Combustion processes, especially domestic heating of both local and regional origin, were identified as the main sources of benzo(a)pyrene in this area. Concentrations observed during the heating season (mean 2.18 ng m−3) were significantly higher than these recorded in the non-heating season (mean 0.05 ng m−3). High benzo(a)pyrene concentrations were associated with low temperature and high humidity. Whereas high levels of precipitation usually decreased the BaP concentration in aerosols. The concentration of this factor in the studied area depended also on the wind direction and air masses trajectories. During heating season, continental air masses (coming from S, SE, SW) seemed to increase benzo(a)pyrene concentration, while maritime air masses (from N, NE, NW) caused its decrease. The differences in the BaP concentration resulting from potentially different emission levels of this compound during working and non-working days were not clearly pronounced.

Highlights

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is the major indicator of the pollution by the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It has been identified by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a class 1 carcinogen
BaP concentration in a given area is a function of anthropogenic activity and climate (Papageorgopoulou et al 1999; Chetwittayachan et al 2002; Ravindra et al 2008)
Aerosol samples were taken between 17.XII.2007 and 17.XII.2008 in the centre of Gdynia, ca. 500 m from the coast, at the height of 30 m

Summary

Introduction

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is the major indicator of the pollution by the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It has been identified by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a class 1 carcinogen (i.e., carcinogenic to humans). BaP concentration in a given area is a function of anthropogenic activity and climate (Papageorgopoulou et al 1999; Chetwittayachan et al 2002; Ravindra et al 2008). This compound enters the environment as a product of incomplete combustion processes. Other significant sources of benzo(a)pyrene are heavy industry, factories, coke, and electric plants, combined heat and power plants, uncontrolled fires, and waste incineration (Ravindra et al 2008)

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