Issue 10, 2007

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the air of Chinese cities

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the air of 37 cities and 3 rural locations across China during the winter, spring, summer and autumn of 2005, using polyurethane foam (PUF) disks as passive air samplers (PAS). Winter and autumn concentrations in cities exceeded spring and summer values. Concentrations were amongst the highest in the world; seasonally averaged autumn/winter values in some cities in the north and north-west of China exceeded proposed European Union air quality standards. Several factors, acting in combination, influenced air concentrations. A significant negative correlation was found between average annual city concentrations and the annual average temperature, while winter time PAH concentrations correlated with estimated coal consumption. The highest total PAH concentrations and loadings of high molecular weight compounds generally occurred in major cities located on higher land (500–2000 m), where relatively cold winters and higher coal consumption occurs. Lower values occurred in cities located in the south and east China and along the coastal regions. Molecular markers indicated incomplete combustion of fossil fuels dominated the urban air and gave evidence for photo-decomposition of selected compounds.

Graphical abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the air of Chinese cities

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
25 May 2007
Accepted
06 Jul 2007
First published
02 Aug 2007

J. Environ. Monit., 2007,9, 1092-1098

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the air of Chinese cities

X. Liu, G. Zhang, J. Li, H. Cheng, S. Qi, X. Li and K. C. Jones, J. Environ. Monit., 2007, 9, 1092 DOI: 10.1039/B707977J

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