Vertical Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Window Organic Films Formed in an Urban Street Canyon

I Spiliopoulos,E Bakeas

doi:10.37871/jbres1194

Abstract

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) were determined in outdoor organic films formed on window glasses inside a street canyon at four different heights. The vertical distribution of PAHs in the organic film and the factors responsible for this have been studied. Significant changes of the concentration levels depending on the height and on the season were observed. The concentrations were elevated in the organic film at the street level and during the cold period. This work provides evidences that window organic film may pose an additional risk for human health in such locations through the accumulation of PAHs near the street level.

Highlights

Organic films onto impervious surfaces such as window glasses are derived through deposition of particles or the condensation of gas phase pollutants [1,2,3]
The deposition and wash-off are the two main processes which affect the air – organic film distribution of SVOCS making organic films to act as a sink and a source for these compounds. For this reason a variety of SVOCs have been determined in the surface films, such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), heavy metals and biogenic chemicals [2,3,4,5,6]
The percentage of high molecular weight PAHs at street level was found to range from 32% to 74% of the PAHs

Summary

Introduction

Organic films onto impervious surfaces such as window glasses are derived through deposition of particles or the condensation of gas phase pollutants [1,2,3]. The health risk of organic film PAH exposure has not been studied in detail, especially in urban areas with high population or traffic load such as street canyons. This work presents the first results for the vertical distribution of PAHs in the organic film developed on glass surfaces within a deep street canyon.

Results

Conclusion