[Gaseous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Harbin air]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Atmospheric Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant air pollutants.
• Understanding PAH distribution and sources is crucial for environmental and health assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the atmospheric concentration and distribution of PAHs in Harbin Region.
• To identify the primary sources of PAHs in the study area.
• To assess the potential health risks associated with PAH exposure.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Polyurethane foam passive air samplers (PUF PAS) at eight sampling sites.
• Analyzed the concentration and composition of PAHs, focusing on 3-4 ring structures.
• Employed diagnostic ratios to determine PAH emission sources.
• Applied the toxic equivalence factor (TEF) for health risk assessment.

Main Results:

• PAHs, predominantly 3-4 ring compounds (91.22%-96.37%), were effectively absorbed by PUF PAS.
• Significant spatial variations in total PAHs concentration were observed, with urban areas exhibiting the highest levels.
• Coal combustion was identified as the main source in urban areas, while biofuel combustion dominated rural areas.
• Health risk assessment indicated a greater potential risk in urban and rural populations.

Conclusions:

• PUF PAS demonstrated capability for city-scale atmospheric PAH monitoring.
• PAH pollution levels and associated health risks varied significantly across different areas in Harbin.
• Source identification highlighted the importance of controlling combustion emissions for mitigating PAH exposure.