Gas-particle concentration and characterization of sources of PAHs in the atmosphere of a suburban area in Athens, Greece

Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in two places in a suburban area of Athens greater area (AGA) during June and November 2003. Fourteen PAHs were quantified in the collected samples. The total concentration in the gas phase ranged between 6.89 and 124 ng m−3, while in the particulate phase between 0.44 and 13.2 ng m−3. Maximum concentrations of the total PAHs (gas and particulate phase) were observed during the cold period with an average of 40.7 ng m−3. PAHs were correlated with NO, NO2 and O3, wind speed, wind direction and temperature. Positive correlation was observed between PAHs and NO, NO2, while negative correlation was detected between PAHs and O3. The most abundant members were phenanthrene, anthracene, fluorene, fluoranthene and pyrene. Potential sources of PAHs in aerosols were investigated using molecular diagnostic ratios, which reflect sources such as diesel and gasoline engines, although other sources such as coal combustion and liquefied petroleum gas also contributed.