PAH in airborne particulate matter. Carcinogenic character of PM10 samples and assessment of the energy generation impact

Abstract

One of the main anthropogenic sources producing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) is related to combustion processes especially transport, power generation processes and other industrial activities. Therefore, the main cities constitute one of the main pollution sources for population. Due to the carcinogenic character of some of these pollutants, Directive 2004/107/EC established a target value of 1.0 ng/m3 with regard to Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) for the total content in the particulate matter fraction averaged over a calendar year. Nevertheless, the consideration of only BaP can underestimate the carcinogenic character of the particulate matter.

In this work, the carcinogenic character of the airborne PM10 of Zaragoza was studied during 2003–2004 by determining the concentration of BaP equivalents (BaP-eq), using toxic equivalent factors provided by Larsen and Larsen. Diagnostic ratios were used to discern regarding the main pollution sources in Zaragoza city in which the prevailing emission sources were related to diesel emissions and combustion sources. As PAH can travel long distances around the world, the impact of local pollution sources and long-range atmospheric transport on those samples exceeding 1.0 ng/m3 of BaP-eq that imply higher risk for human health were assessed by considering BaA/Chry and BaP/BeP ratios and by studying the origin of the air masses with the backward air trajectories according to the HYSPLIT model. Those samples were mainly produced during cold season. The local pollution sources were the dominant sources although one episode of long-range transport from European countries could be observed.