Characterization of PM2.5-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Ambient Air of Győr, Hungary

ABSTRACT

In Hungary, the nationwide monitoring of PM10-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient air is great importance for a number of reasons related to human health, the environment and compliance with European Union legislation. However, the measurement of PAH concentrations in PM2.5 aerosol fraction has not been carried out. Therefore, the concentration, distribution and sources of PM2.5-bound PAHs at different urban sites of Győr were investigated in a heating season. The total PAH concentrations (sum of 19 individual PAH compounds) ranged from 1.32 to 37.27 ng/m³ with the mean value of 10.54 ng/m³. The high molecular weight PAHs with 5 and 6 aromatic rings were the most abundant PAHs in PM2.5 aerosol samples, which averaged 82% of total PAHs. Using benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) equivalent approach on the concentration data of carcinogenic PAH species, BaP and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene contributed the highest carcinogenic exposure equivalent (1.25 and 0.19 ng/m³ on average). However, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values for resident children and adults indicated low-potential cancer risk (ILCR < 10⁻⁶). The source apportionment results reflected that the major sources of PAH compounds in the Győr atmosphere were fossil fuel combustion and vehicle emissions.

KEYWORDS:

• Aerosol
• benzo(a)pyrene
• PAH
• PM2.5

Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the assistance and chemical analysis of our cooperation group members in the Environmental Protection Laboratory, Division of Environment and Nature of Government Office for Győr-Moson-Sopron County (Hungary).

Funding

The measurements were funded by a Main Research Direction Grant from the Széchenyi István University, Hungary (Project 15-3204-03/2014).