[Source Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of PAHs in PM_2.5, Lüliang City]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Air Quality Monitoring
• Health Risk Assessment

Context:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant air pollutants.
• PM2.5 samples were collected in Lüliang City from October 2018 to July 2019.
• PAHs concentrations and sources were analyzed in urban and suburban areas.

Purpose:

• To investigate seasonal variations of PAHs in PM2.5.
• To assess health risks associated with PAHs exposure.
• To identify the primary sources and transport pathways of PAHs.

Summary:

• The annual average concentration of PAHs was 95.50 ng·m⁻³, with higher levels in winter.
• Urban areas showed significantly higher potential health risks (ILCRs) than suburban areas.
• PAHs originated mainly from coal/biomass combustion (61.9%) and vehicle exhaust (38.1%), with sources in southern Shanxi, northern Shaanxi, and western Inner Mongolia.

Impact:

• Findings highlight elevated PAHs risks in urban Lüliang, particularly during winter.
• Identified major sources (coal, biomass, vehicle exhaust) inform targeted pollution control strategies.
• Understanding regional transport aids in developing broader air quality management plans.