Particulate Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Research Articles

Effects of urbanization on gaseous and particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in a coastal city, China: levels, sources, and health risks

Gas/particle distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in Xiamen from May 2009 to March 2010 to evaluate the impacts of urbanization on the fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the atmospheric environment. In a newly developing area (NDA), the concentrations of 16 PAHs (gas + particle) were significantly higher than that a historically urbanized area (HUA) (p value <0.05), while the trend of 28 PCBs was reversed. Diagnostic ratios and principle component analysis (PCA) implied that atmospheric PAHs in the NDA were mainly derived from petrogenic combustion, including mixed sources of vehicle emissions, biomass burning and oil combustion, while pyrogenic combustion (e.g., traffic and coal combustion) was considered the major source of PAHs in the HUA. Atmospheric PCBs in both HUA and NDA were dominated by TriCBs and PeCBs related to the use of commercial mixtures (Aroclors 1242 and 1254). Based on the toxicological equivalent factor (TEF) approach, total benzo[a]pyrene equivalent values in the HUA and NDA were 1.12 and 2.02 ng m(-3), respectively, exceeding the standard threshold values (1.0 ng m(-3)) of China and WHO. Average daily intake of dioxin-like compounds was 0.2 pg kg(-1) day(-1) in the HUA, which are below the WHO tolerable daily intake level. The results showed that the contribution to the toxic equivalency (TEQ) was dominated by PCB169, PCB105, and PCB81.

Commuter exposure to particulate matter and particle-bound PAHs in three transportation modes in Beijing, China

Exposure to fine and ultrafine particles as well as particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by commuters in three transportation modes (walking, subway and bus) were examined in December 2011 in Beijing, China. During the study period, real-time measured median PM2.5 mass concentration (PMC) for walking, riding buses and taking the subway were 26.7, 32.9 and 56.9 μg m−3, respectively, and particle number concentrations (PNC) were 1.1 × 104, 1.0 × 104 and 2.2 × 104 cm−3. Commuters were exposed to higher PNC in air-conditioned buses and aboveground-railway, but higher PMC in underground-subway compared to aboveground-railway. PNC in roadway modes (bus and walking) peaked at noon, but was lower during traffic rush hours, negatively correlated with PMC. Toxic potential of particulate-PAHs estimated based on benzo(a)pyrene toxic equivalents (BaP TEQs) showed that walking pedestrians were subjected to higher BaP TEQs than bus (2.7-fold) and subway (3.6-fold) commuters, though the highest PMC and PNC were observed in subway.

Particulate matter, gaseous and particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an urban traffic tunnel of China: Emission from on-road vehicles and gas-particle partitioning

Traffic vehicles are a main source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission in urban area. It is vital to understand PAH gas-particle partitioning in real traffic environment and assess PAH vehicular emission factors in developing China. Concentrations of particulate matter, carbonaceous products, gaseous and particulate PAHs were measured during 2011–2012 in a road tunnel of Shanghai, China. Time variation of them reflected basic traffic operation of the tunnel. PAHs approached equilibrium between gas and particle phases and the partitioning was predicted better by a dual sorption model combining absorption into organic matter and adsorption onto black carbon. The influence of black carbon adsorption on the partitioning behavior of PAHs was important. The difference in isomer ratios of gaseous and particulate PAHs was attributed to PAH contributions from different traffic-related PAHs sources. Real-world vehicle emission factors of gaseous and particulate PAHs were quantified based on fuel burned model and vehicle kilometer traveled model.

Distribution and sources of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air of Kamihaya, central Japan

This survey was conducted to analyze particle-associated atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at a rural site (Kamihaya) in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, central Japan from 2012–2013. Analysis of particulate matter revealed that total PAHs ranged from 0.036 to 10.16 ng m−3 with an average concentration of 3.20 ng m−3. The highest PAHs concentration of 10.16 ng m−3 was observed on September 19, 2012. Significant seasonal variations in PAHs concentrations were observed at the site, with higher values during winter/spring and lower values during summer/autumn. Trajectory analyses suggest that PAHs produced domestically have a greater impact on Kamihaya than those transported from other countries. Molecular diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis showed that atmospheric PAHs primarily arose from industrial and traffic emissions, while wood combustion appeared to be a minor source. Overall, the results of this study suggest that atmospheric PAHs in Kamihaya present a potential threat to the underlying vegetation and may cause damage to plants if combined with other air pollutants.

Possible evidence of destroying small PAH particles by radiation from AGNs

The issue of destroying small polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) particles by radiation from AGNs is examined through optical narrow-emission line ratios of a sample of type II AGNs. We find that narrow-line ratios [OI]λ6300/Hα and [SII]λ6716, λ6731/Hα have prominent correlations with the PAH 11.3/7.7 ratio in our selected sample of AGNs. Because of the marginal (and in some cases no) dependence of the PAH ratio on the gas metallicity, a possible explanation for the correlations is the destruction of small PAH particles by the hard ionizing field associated with the AGNs.

Hydrocarbons in a coral reef ecosystem subjected to anthropogenic pressures (La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean)

Environmental context Hydrocarbons are among the most widespread and harmful pollutants found in the aquatic media. Although they have been investigated in various temperate coastal environments, their dynamics in coral reef tropical ecosystems, which are under increasing human pressure, remain poorly understood. It was found that hydrocarbons had moderate to high concentrations, multiple origins (biogenic and anthropogenic) and could be used to track inland intrusions in fore reef waters of the eutrophicated La Saline reef ecosystem (La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean). Abstract The La Saline fringing reef, which is the most important coral reef complex of La Réunion Island, (south-western Indian Ocean), is subjected to anthropogenic pressures through river and groundwater inputs. Salinity and biogeochemical parameters (silicates, nitrates, dissolved organic carbon, chlorophyll-a), as well as aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analysed in particulate and dissolved material from groundwaters, rivers, harbour, back reef, fore reef and oceanic waters in the La Saline reef area during the rainy season (February–March 2012). Particulate and dissolved AH concentration ranges were 0.07–144 and 0.06–0.58µgL–1 respectively. Particulate and dissolved PAH concentrations ranges were 4.3–326 and 28–350ng L–1 respectively. AHs, dominated by nC15, nC17, nC18 compounds or nC26, nC27, nC29, nC31 compounds, were mainly of biogenic origin (phytoplankton, bacteria, higher-plant debris) although some anthropogenic (petroleum inputs) signatures were recorded in the dissolved phase from the harbour and fore reef areas. PAHs, dominated by two- to three-ring compounds and their alkylated homologues, reflected unburned petroleum inputs, but probably also biogenic sources. From the distribution of salinity, biogeochemical parameters and hydrocarbons, we found that inland waters flowed mainly in the surface and in the southern part of reef waters and that particulate PAHs allowed tracking these inland water intrusions in fore reef waters. Finally, this pilot study highlights the uncoupling between the dynamics of AHs and PAHs in tropical environments.

Monitoring of atmospheric gaseous and particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in South African platinum mines utilising portable denuder sampling with analysis by thermal desorption–comprehensive gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Concentrations of diesel particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in platinum mine environments are likely to be higher than in ambient air due to the use of diesel machinery in confined environments. Airborne PAHs may be present in gaseous or particle phases each of which has different human health impacts due to their ultimate fate in the body. Here we report on the simultaneous sampling of both phases of airborne PAHs for the first time in underground platinum mines in South Africa, which was made possible by employing small, portable denuder sampling devices consisting of two polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) multi-channel traps connected in series separated by a quartz fibre filter, which only require small, battery operated portable personal sampling pumps for air sampling. Thermal desorption coupled with comprehensive gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD–GC×GC–TofMS) was used to analyse denuder samples taken in three different platinum mines. The samples from a range of underground environments revealed that PAHs were predominantly found in the gas phase with naphthalene and mono-methylated naphthalene derivatives being detected at the highest concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 18μgm−3. The particle bound PAHs were found in the highest concentrations at the idling load haul dump vehicle exhausts with a dominance of fluoranthene and pyrene. Particle associated PAH concentrations ranged from 0.47 to 260ngm−3 and included benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and benzo[ghi]perylene. This work highlights the need to characterise both phases in order to assess occupational exposure to PAHs in this challenging sampling environment.

Concentrations, particle-size distributions, and indoor/outdoor differences of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a middle school classroom in Xi'an, China.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) attached to particulate matter can affect respiratory health, especially the health of children, but information on the air quality in schools is generally lacking. This study investigated the PAH concentrations in a naturally ventilated classroom in Xi'an, China, from 16 to 31 May 2012. Particulate PAH concentrations were measured for samples collected on five-stage cascade impactors deployed inside the classroom and outside. PM2.5-bound PAH concentrations were 53.2 ng m(-3) indoors and 72.9 ng m(-3) outdoors. PAHs attached to very fine particles (VFPs) accounted for ~70% of the total PAHs. The PAH concentrations indoors were affected by the students' activities, cleaning, and smoking, while outdoors, the main sources were motor vehicle emissions and contaminated road dust. Particle-bound PAHs infiltrated the classroom through open windows, but the activities of the students and staff were also associated with an increase of PAHs attached to particles larger than 1.0 µm, most likely through resuspension. Cycles in the sources led to PAH concentrations 2-3 times higher on weekdays compared to weekends, both indoors and outdoors. PAH toxicity risks inside the classroom were substantially lower than those outdoors, and the highest risks were associated with VFPs.

Source apportionment of atmospheric PAHs and their toxicity using PMF: Impact of gas/particle partitioning

24-h PM2.5 samples were simultaneously collected at six sites in a subtropical city of South China during November–December, 2009. Particle-phase concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic tracers such as hopanes for vehicular emissions (VE), levoglucosan for biomass burning (BB) and picene for coal combustion (CC) were determined. Meanwhile, their gas-phase concentrations were calculated from gas/particle (G/P) partitioning theory using the particle-phase concentrations. The 4 ring PAHs (fluoranthene to chrysene) had lower particle-phase fractions (10%–79%) than other species. Estimated BaPeq and lifetime cancer risk for particle-only (P-only) vs gas + particle (G + P) data sets showed similar values, indicating PAHs with 5–7 rings dominated the carcinogenicity of PAHs. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) was applied on both P-only and G + P data sets to estimate the source contributions to PAHs and their toxicity. Three common sources were identified: VE, BB and CC, with CC as the most significant source for both particulate (58%) and total (G + P, 40%) PAHs. While CC exhibited consistent contributions to BaPeq for P-only (66%) vs G + P (62%) solutions, VE and BB contributions were under- and overestimated by 68% and 47%, respectively by the P-only solution, as compared to the G + P solution. The results provide an insight on the impact of G/P partitioning on the source apportionment of PAHs and their toxicity.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with total suspended particles and surface soils in Kunming, China: distribution, possible sources, and cancer risks.

The concentrations, distribution, possible sources, and cancer risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in total suspended particles (TSPs) and surface soils collected from the same sampling spots were compared in Kunming, China. The total PAH concentrations were 9.35-75.01 ng/m(3) and 101.64-693.30 ng/g dry weight (d.w.), respectively, in TSPs and surface soils. Fluoranthene (FLA), pyrene (PYR), chrysene (CHR), and phenanthrene (PHE) were the abundant compounds in TSP samples, and phenanthrene (PHE), fluorene (FLO), fluoranthene (FLA), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), and benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BghiP) were the abundant compounds in surface soil samples. The spatial distribution of PAHs in TSPs is closely related to the surrounding environment, which varied significantly as a result of variations in source emission and changes in meteorology. However, the spatial distribution of PAHs in surface soils is supposed to correlate with a city's urbanization history, and high levels of PAHs were always observed in industry district, or central or old district of city. Based on the diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA), vehicle emissions (especially diesel-powered vehicles) and coal and wood combustion were the main sources of PAHs in TSPs, and the combustion of wood and coal, and spills of unburnt petroleum were the main sources of PAHs in the surface soils. The benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration (BaPeq) for the TSPs and surface soil samples were 0.16-2.57 ng/m(3) and 11.44-116.03 ng/g d.w., respectively. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) exposed to particulate PAHs ranged from 10(-4) to 10(-3) indicating high potential of carcinogenic risk, and the ILCR exposed to soil PAHs was from 10(-7) to 10(-6) indicating virtual safety. These presented results showed that particle-bound PAHs had higher potential carcinogenic ability for human than soil PAHs. And, the values of cancer risk for children were always higher than for adults, which demonstrated that children were sensitive to carcinogenic effects of PAHs.

Vertical fluxes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in dissolved, suspended and sinking phases were measured in the northern Gulf of Mexico during 2012 and 2013 to estimate rate of loss of particulate PAHs from the water column via sinking fluxes. The concentrations of suspended particulate ΣPAH43 varied between 0.29–0.72ng/L in 2012 and 0.17–1.31ng/L in 2013 while dissolved ΣPAH43 varied between 31.2–51.2ng/L and 24.2–58.0ng/L in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The concentrations of dissolved PAHs were found to be orders of magnitude lower than the values reported during DWH oil spill. Sediment trap-based vertical sinking fluxes of particulate ΣPAH43 varied between 2.21–7.78μgm−2 day−1 in 2012 and 1.95–2.53μgm−2 day−1 in 2013. The vertical fluxes are found to be an important loss term for particle bound PAHs in this region with 3.1–6.7% of total particulate PAH inventory in the euphotic zone being lost daily via this pathway. The reported variability in the sinking rates of particle bound PAHs from the upper ocean can impact the residence time of PAHs in the upper ocean.

Using comprehensive GC × GC to study PAHs and n-alkanes associated with PM2.5 in urban atmosphere.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) utilizing a flow modulator was applied to study particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and n-alkanes in the urban atmosphere. Samples were collected onto quartz fiber filters using a PM2.5 sampler at Megacity Shanghai, China. Sample preparation included extraction into n-hexane-dichloromethane mixture and cleanup on silver-impregnated silica column. Analyses were performed well with GC × GC-FID and GC × GC-TOFMS equipment. Average particulate PAHs and n-alkane concentrations were in the range of 40-100ng/m(3) and 120-500pg/m(3), respectively. It is alarming to note that PAHs and n-alkane concentrations were increasing with urban PM2.5 values and exceeded the air quality standards in many sampling events. Among them, 2-ring, 3-ring, and 4-ring PAHs accounted for the majority of total PAHs, and C10-15 accounted for the majority of particulate n-alkanes. Potential sources of PAHs in PM2.5 were identified using the diagnostic ratios between PAHs. Local emission sources such as combustion from gasoline and diesel engines were the main contributors of particulate-associated PAHs, while long-range transport had minor contribution to the particulate PAHs. Additionally, we determined the overall carcinogenicity of the samples based on PAH concentrations by a dose addition model and found that the overall carcinogenicity during polluted period was obviously higher than during good air quality period.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: levels and phase distributions in preschool microenvironment.

This work aims to characterize levels and phase distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor air of preschool environment and to assess the impact of outdoor PAH emissions to indoor environment. Gaseous and particulate (PM1 and PM(2.5)) PAHs (16 USEPA priority pollutants, plus dibenzo[a,l]pyrene, and benzo[j]fluoranthene) were concurrently sampled indoors and outdoors in one urban preschool located in north of Portugal for 35 days. The total concentration of 18 PAHs (ΣPAHs) in indoor air ranged from 19.5 to 82.0 ng/m(3) ; gaseous compounds (range of 14.1-66.1 ng/m(3)) accounted for 85% ΣPAHs. Particulate PAHs (range 0.7-15.9 ng/m(3)) were predominantly associated with PM1 (76% particulate ΣPAHs) with 5-ring PAHs being the most abundant. Mean indoor/outdoor ratios (I/O) of individual PAHs indicated that outdoor emissions significantly contributed to PAH indoors; emissions from motor vehicles and fuel burning were the major sources.

Size specific distribution of the atmospheric particulate PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs and PAHs on a seasonal scale: Implications for cancer risks from inhalation

This study presents the seasonal size distribution of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in the atmosphere. Particles were sampled from October 2009 to October 2010 on a seasonal basis using a cascade impactor collecting six size fractions at a rural and urban site in the Brno area, Czech Republic. Higher concentrations of PAHs, PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were observed in cold seasons at both sites, attributed to the seasonality of the gas-particle partitioning, the increase of emissions and the lower boundary mixing layer in winter. All of the compounds showed a strong accumulation in the fine fraction, with, on average, 71% of ΣPAHs, 73% of ΣPCDD/Fs and 60% of Σdl-PCBs associated with particles <0.95 μm. The human risk assessment via inhalation was addressed and followed the same pattern as for concentrations, with 41 and 7 times higher risk in winter compared to summer at the rural and urban sites, respectively. More than 70% of cancer risks of PAHs, PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs was associated with particles <0.95 μm. Moreover, an overestimation of the cancer risk via inhalation of up to 50% occurred when the size distribution of related compounds was not considered.

Air–sea exchange and gas–particle partitioning of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean

Abstract. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration in air of the central and eastern Mediterranean in summer 2010 was 1.45 (0.30–3.25) ng m−3 (sum of 25 PAHs), with 8 (1–17)% in the particulate phase, almost exclusively associated with particles &lt; 0.25 μm. The total deposition flux of particulate PAHs was 0.3–0.5 μ g m−2 yr−1. The diffusive air–sea exchange fluxes of fluoranthene and pyrene were mostly found net-depositional or close to phase equilibrium, while retene was net-volatilisational in a large sea region. Regional fire activity records in combination with box model simulations suggest that seasonal depositional input of retene from biomass burning into the surface waters during summer is followed by an annual reversal of air–sea exchange, while interannual variability is dominated by the variability of the fire season. One-third of primary retene sources to the sea region in the period 2005–2010 returned to the atmosphere as secondary emissions from surface seawaters. It is concluded that future negative emission trends or interannual variability of regional sources may trigger the sea to become a secondary PAH source through reversal of diffusive air–sea exchange. Capsule: In late summer the seawater surface in the Mediterranean has turned into a temporary secondary source of PAH, obviously related to biomass burning in the region.

Characterizations, relationship, and potential sources of outdoor and indoor particulate matter bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a community of Tianjin, Northern China.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most toxic air pollutants in China. However, because there are unsubstantial data on indoor and outdoor particulate PAHs, efforts in assessing inhalation exposure and cancer risk to PAHs are limited in China. This study measured 12 individual PAHs in indoor and outdoor environments at 36 homes during the non-heating period and heating period in 2009. Indoor PAH concentrations were comparable with outdoor environments in the non-heating period, but were lower in the heating period. The average indoor/outdoor ratios in both sampling periods were lower than 1, while the ratios in the non-heating period were higher than those in the heating period. Correlation analysis and coefficient of divergence also verified the difference between indoor and outdoor PAHs, which could be caused by high ventilation in the non-heating period. To support this conclusion, linear and robust regressions were used to estimate the infiltration factor to compare outdoor PAHs to indoor PAHs. The calculated infiltration factors obtained by the two models were similar in the non-heating period but varied greatly in the heating period, which may have been caused by the influence of ventilation. Potential sources were distinguished using a diagnostic ratio and a mixture of coal combustion and traffic emission, which are major sources of PAHs.

Heterogeneous reactions of particulate matter-bound PAHs and NPAHs with NO3/N2O5, OH radicals, and O3 under simulated long-range atmospheric transport conditions: reactivity and mutagenicity.

The heterogeneous reactions of ambient particulate matter (PM)-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) with NO3/N2O5, OH radicals, and O3 were studied in a laboratory photochemical chamber. Ambient PM2.5 and PM10 samples were collected from Beijing, China, and Riverside, California, and exposed under simulated atmospheric long-range transport conditions for O3 and OH and NO3 radicals. Changes in the masses of 23 PAHs and 20 NPAHs, as well as the direct and indirect-acting mutagenicity of the PM (determined using the Salmonella mutagenicity assay with TA98 strain), were measured prior to and after exposure to NO3/N2O5, OH radicals, and O3. In general, O3 exposure resulted in the highest relative degradation of PM-bound PAHs with more than four rings (benzo[a]pyrene was degraded equally well by O3 and NO3/N2O5). However, NPAHs were most effectively formed during the Beijing PM exposure to NO3/N2O5. In ambient air, 2-nitrofluoranthene (2-NF) is formed from the gas-phase NO3 radical- and OH radical-initiated reactions of fluoranthene, and 2-nitropyrene (2-NP) is formed from the gas-phase OH radical-initiated reaction of pyrene. There was no formation of 2-NF or 2-NP in any of the heterogeneous exposures, suggesting that gas-phase formation of NPAHs did not play an important role during chamber exposures. Exposure of Beijing PM to NO3/N2O5 resulted in an increase in direct-acting mutagenic activity which was associated with the formation of mutagenic NPAHs. No NPAH formation was observed in any of the exposures of the Riverside PM. This was likely due to the accumulation of atmospheric degradation products from gas-phase reactions of volatile species onto the surface of PM collected in Riverside prior to exposure in the chamber, thus decreasing the availability of PAHs for reaction.

Multi-source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using end-member mixing approach

A new approach to identify multiple sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and to evaluate the source contributions to the atmospheric deposition of particulate PAHs is proposed. The approach is based on differences in the concentrations of the sums of PAHs with the same molecular weight among the different PAH sources. Data on PAH accumulation in snow, as well as source profiles, were used for calculations. The contributions of an aluminum production plant, oil-fired central heating boilers, and residential wood and coal combustion were calculated using linear mixing models. The concentrations of PAH pairs such as benzo[b]fluoranthene+benzo[k]fluoranthene and benzo[g,h,i]perylene+indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene normalized to benzo[a]anthracene+chrysene were used as tracers in the mixing equations. The results obtained using ratios of PAH pairs were compared with those obtained using molecular diagnostic ratios such as benzo[a]anthracene/chrysene and benzo[g,h,i]perylene/indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene. It was shown that the results obtained using diagnostic ratios as tracers are less reliable than the results obtained using the ratios of the sums of PAHs.

Particulate PAH emissions from residential biomass combustion: time-resolved analysis with aerosol mass spectrometry.

Time-resolved emissions of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and total organic particulate matter (OA) from a wood log stove and an adjusted pellet stove were investigated with high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS). The highest OA emissions were found during the addition of log wood on glowing embers, that is, slow burning pyrolysis conditions. These emissions contained about 1% PAHs (of OA). The highest PAH emissions were found during fast burning under hot air starved combustion conditions, in both stoves. In the latter case, PAHs contributed up to 40% of OA, likely due to thermal degradation of other condensable species. The distribution of PAHs was also shifted toward larger molecules in these emissions. AMS signals attributed to PAHs were found at molecular weights up to 600 Da. The vacuum aerodynamic size distribution was found to be bimodal with a smaller mode (Dva ∼ 200 nm) dominating under hot air starved combustion and a larger sized mode dominating under slow burning pyrolysis (Dva ∼ 600 nm). Simultaneous reduction of PAHs, OA and total particulate matter from residential biomass combustion may prove to be a challenge for environmental legislation efforts as these classes of emissions are elevated at different combustion conditions.

Particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the atmosphere of Bizerte city, Tunisia.

The particle-phase concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in 13 air samples collected in an urban area of Bizerte (Tunisia) during 2009-2010. Atmospheric particulate samples were extracted by ultrasonic bath and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. PAH were found in all the analyzed air samples and the most abundant compounds were pyrene, fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, chrysene and benzo[a]pyrene. ∑14-PAH concentrations ranging from 9.38 to 44.81 ng m(-3) with mean value of 25.39 ng m(-3). PAH diagnostic ratio source analysis revealed gasoline and diesel vehicular emissions as major sources. The mean total benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalent calculated for samples was 3.66 ng m(-3) and the mean contribution of the carcinogenic potency of benzo[a]pyrene was determined to be 55.8 %. Concentrations of particulate PAH in Bizerte city atmosphere were approximately eight times greater than sampled at a nearby rural site.