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Abstract
The study presented was designed to establish a baseline for benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) levels in New Jersey prior to any large scale fuel switching to coal and wood in residential, Industrial, and/or utility boilers in the state. In addition, this study was used to explore the variability of BaP levels at 27 sites in New Jersey and the possible relationships between BaP, total suspended particulates (TSP), cyclohexane- soluble organics (Cx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and coefficient of haze (COH) measurements. Samples were collected as part of the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection's statewide high-volume air sampling network. Benzo(a)pyrene was determined by the standard U.S. EPA procedure Involving ultrasonic extraction with cyclohexane followed by TLCfluorescence. Both urban/rural and seasonal differences in BaP levels are discussed, as are the relationships between the other criteria pollutants measured. In addition, source resolution is attempted employing state fuel-use rates and published BaP emission levels.The results from this study indicate that urban (0.6 ng/m3) and rural (0.3 ng/m3) differences exist for BaP levels in New Jersey. Seasonal trends revealed that BaP levels, on a statewide basis, were more than ten times higher during the heating than the non-heating seasons. An assessment of combustion source emissions led to the conclusion that residential combustion of wood played a major role in influencing heating season BaP levels in New Jersey.