Atmospheric concentrations, sources and gas-particle partitioning of PAHs in Beijing after the 29th Olympic Games

A comprehensive sampling campaign was carried out to study atmospheric concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Beijing and to evaluate the effectiveness of source control strategies in reducing PAHs pollution after the 29th Olympic Games. The sub-cooled liquid vapor pressure (logPLo)-based model and octanol-air partition coefficient (Koa)-based model were applied based on each seasonal dateset. Regression analysis among log KP, logPLo and log Koa exhibited high significant correlations for four seasons. Source factors were identified by principle component analysis and contributions were further estimated by multiple linear regression. Pyrogenic sources and coke oven emission were identified as major sources for both the non-heating and heating seasons. As compared with literatures, the mean PAH concentrations before and after the 29th Olympic Games were reduced by more than 60%, indicating that the source control measures were effective for reducing PAHs pollution in Beijing.

► This is the first comprehensive study of PAHs in atmosphere after the 29th Olympics in Beijing, China.
► The air quality before and after 29th Olympics has attracted much attention worldwide.
► The study was helpful for other countries to understand how the Olympics affected PAHs emissions.
► The study would act as a case study to know the effects that big events can impose on the host cities.