Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air particulate matter from a lightly industrialized urban area

• Published in: Environmental science & technology Vol. 19; no. 5; pp. 397 - 404
• Main Authors: Cretney, John R, Lee, Hian K, Wright, Graeme J, Swallow, William H, Taylor, Michael C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 01.05.1985
• Subjects: Air pollution caused by fuel industries; Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Characteristics of pollutants and their action; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Pollutants physicochemistry study: properties, effects, reactions, transport and distribution; Pollution; Capillary column; Household heating; Gas chromatography; Aerosols; Air pollution; Chemical composition; Solid particle; Road traffic; Urban area; Polycyclic aromatic compound; Statistical study; Mass spectrometry
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/es00135a002

Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) have been measured in the air particulate matter (APM) of a lightly industrialized urban area in which the main sources of PAH are domestic fires and automobiles. The PAH were analyzed by glass capillary gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis of the results using 26 PAH allows the relative contribution of the two sources to be estimated and shows that during periods of heavy pollution, domestic fires are the main contributors.