Abstract
ABSTRACT This study focuses on the air quality evaluation of Merida, a medium-size city located in the Yucatan Peninsula with a significant population growth in recent years. Particle-bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (pPAHs) were quantified with a real time sensor during a six-month period during the dry season (October 2017 to March 2018). The pPAHs diurnal and monthly characteristics, as well as their potential sources were determined. The total pPAHs concentrations ranged from 7 ng m–3 to 170 ng m–3, with an average value of 19 ± 11 ng m–3. A seasonal trend was observed, albeit not complete, indicating that pPAHs concentrations were higher during the colder months (October through January) than in February and March. The diurnal cycle showed a bimodal behavior similar to those found for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and black carbon (BC) (estimated from absorption coefficient), indicating that burning of fossil fuels from vehicular traffic is the likely source of the pPAHs emitted in Merida. Moreover, atypical nocturnal values were observed, where the high pPAHs concentration could be associated with the burning of solid waste. The average pPAHs concentration obtained in this study (19 ± 11 ng m–3) were found to be lower than the values measured in two other sites in Mexico City (32 ng m–3 and 50 ng m–3), Boston (29 ng m–3), Los Angeles (88.3 ng m–3) and Quito (220 ng m–3).
Highlights
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous organic compounds composed of two or more fused aromatic rings found in soil, water, and air (Phan et al, 2019)
A more detailed inspection of the data suggests the presence of two different regimes in the variability of ambient concentrations based on the highest and lowest monthly Particle-bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (pPAHs) concentration: the first one (19 October–14 January) with an average of 20 ± 16 ng m–3 and the second regime (15 January–20 March) with an average of 16 ± 5 ng m–3
Particle-bound PAHs are organic compounds with proven genotoxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties produced during combustion and industrial processes that may lead to serious public health and environmental problems
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous organic compounds composed of two or more fused aromatic rings found in soil, water, and air (Phan et al, 2019). Air pollution studies focused on PAHs have received more attention in recent years, given that some of these compounds are highly mutagenic, carcinogenic, and toxic (Amagai et al, 1999; Ohura et al, 2004; Srogi, 2007; Sarigiannis et al, 2015; Phan et al, 2019; Sulong et al, 2019). Benzo[a]pyrene has been identified as being highly carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research Cancer (IARC) (Nisbet and LaGoy, 1992; Kuo et al, 1998; Wang et al, 2002)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
