Variations of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in airborne particulate matter in Niigata, Japan

Abstract

Concentrations of three carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in airborne particulate matter were monitored monthly during 1990 to 1993 at three urban, two suburban and two chemical industrial sites in Niigata, Japan. The investigated three PAHs, benz[a]anthracene (B[a]A), benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), showed strong correlations (p < 0.01) with each other. Geometric mean concentrations of B[a]A, B[b]F and B[a]P range from 2.3 μg/g to 5.7 μg/g, 5.4 μg/g to 12 μg/g and 3.5 μg/g to 8.3 μg/g, respectively. Mean PAH concentrations at urban sites were higher than those at the other sites. However, those at chemical industrial sites were the same as those at suburban sites.

Keywords:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• benzo[a]pyrene
• benz[a]anthracene
• benzo[b]fluor‐anthene
• airborne particulate matter

Notes

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