Urban air pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Levels and sources of variability

TitleUrban air pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Levels and sources of variability
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsMenichini, Edoardo
JournalThe Science of The Total Environment
Volume116
Issue1-2
Pagination109-135
ISSN0048-9697
Abstract

The atmospheric levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), measured since the mid-1970s from ~60 towns world-wide, are reviewed. For each investigation, a concise description of sampling conditions and analytical methods is also given. The strongly carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene was typically found in the range of 1-20 ng/m3 in Europe, and around 1 ng/m3 in the USA. For other PAHs, individual concentrations were generally in the range of 1-50 ng/m3 in Europe, 0.1-1 in North and South America and in Australia, 1-10 in Japan, and 10-100 in two towns in India and New Zealand. Data on the size distribution of PAH-containing particles are also presented, showing that PAH content is adsorbed mostly on respirable particles. The ratios of winter to summer levels, and of urban to rural levels, were found in the range of 2-10 in both cases. PAH levels have prrogressively decreased in the last few decades, most probably due to the introduction of anti-smoke regulations and the decrease of coal burning for heating. Measurements from different investigations can only be compared with great prudence, owing to sampling factors which can affect results. Sources of urban PAH contamination and of the variability in levels are discussed.

URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy.rpi.edu/science/article/B6V78-48XV26G-VS/2/41ed4a318762f1d32f9ecb04e0f31831
DOI10.1016/0048-9697(92)90368-3
Short TitleUrban air pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
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