Spatial and temporal variation of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in atmospheric PM10 and PM2.5 and the influence of ambient temperature in Tianjin, China

• Published in: Atmospheric environment (1994) Vol. 74; pp. 199 - 208
• Main Authors: Kong, Shaofei, Ji, Yaqin, Liu, Lingling, Chen, Li, Zhao, Xueyan, Wang, Jiajun, Bai, Zhipeng, Sun, Zengrong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: ambient temperature; Applied sciences; atmospheric chemistry; Atmospheric pollution; China; correlation; cosmetics; Distribution; Exact sciences and technology; human health; industry; meteorological parameters; particulates; Phthalate acid esters; phthalates; plasticizers; PM10; PM2.5; Pollutants physicochemistry study: properties, effects, reactions, transport and distribution; Pollution; principal component analysis; sewage; Sources; spring; summer; Temperature; temporal variation; wastewater; winter; Asia; China; PM10; Temperature; Phthalate acid esters; Sources; PM2.5; Distribution; Phthalic acid esters; Endocrine disruptor; Spatial variation; Time variation; Phthalates; Coarse particle; Carcinogen; Ester; Fine particle; Aerosols; Air pollution; PM; Organic compounds; Concentration distribution
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.02.053
• ISSN: 1352-2310

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are produced in large amounts throughout the world and are excessively used in various industries, which have posed a serious threat to human health and the environment. An investigation of six major PAEs congeners in atmospheric PM10 and PM2.5 was synchronously conducted at seven sites belonging to different functional zones in spring, summer and winter in Tianjin, China in 2010. Results showed that the average concentrations of DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP and DOP in PM10 were 0.88, 0.73, 12.90, 0.15, 98.29 and 0.83 ng m−3, respectively, and in PM2.5, they were 0.54, 0.30, 8.72, 0.08, 75.68 and 0.33 ng m-3, respectively. DEHP and DBP were the predominant species. The industrial site exhibited highest PAEs values as 135.9 ± 202.8 ng m−3. In winter, the detected percentages for DOP were low. The other five PAEs concentrations were higher in winter than those in spring and summer, which may be related to the influence of emission sources, meteorological parameters and the chemical–physical characteristic of themselves. Except for DOP, other PAEs were negatively correlated with ambient temperature and the relationships were the best fitted as exponential forms. Significant positive correlations were found for PAEs in PM2.5 and PM10, indicating common sources. The PM2.5/PM10 ratios (0.53–0.70) for the six PAEs concentrations suggested that they were preferentially concentrated in finer particles. Principal component analysis indicated the emission from cosmetics and personal care products, plasticizers and sewage and industrial wastewater may be important sources for PAEs in atmospheric particulate matter in Tianjin. •PAEs levels in atmospheric PM10 and PM2.5 at various sites in three seasons were studied.•PAEs exhibited the highest values at industrial site in winter.•Except for DOP, PAEs were negatively correlated with ambient temperature.•Relationship between PAEs and ambient temperature was not the best fitted as linear form.•PAEs preferred to concentrate in fine particles.