Source attributions of hazardous aromatic hydrocarbons in urban, suburban and rural areas in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region

► We measured aromatic hydrocarbons at four contrasting sites in the PRD region. ► Diagnostic ratios were used to imply sources of aromatic hydrocarbons. ► Sources of aromatic hydrocarbons were apportioned by PMF receptor model. ► Solvent use, vehicle exhaust and biomass burning contributed over 89% AHs. ► Biomass burning contributed to AHs, particularly for Benzene in the rural.