Pollution characteristics of ambient PM2.5-bound PAHs and NPAHs in a typical winter time period in Taiyuan

The pollution characteristics of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrated PAHs (NPAHs) in samples collected during a typical winter time period in Taiyuan of China were investigated. The obtained results revealed that the mean mass concentrations of PM2.5, ΣPAHs (sum of 16 PAHs) and ΣNPAHs (sum of 3 NPAHs) on PM2.5 were 161.4 μg/m3, 119.8 ng/m3 and 0.446 ng/m3, respectively. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs and NPAHs implied that coal consumption might be the main source of the PM2.5 pollution. The measured PM2.5 mass concentrations, BaP equivalent toxicity (28.632 ng/m3) and individual carcinogenicity index (3.14 × 10−5) were much higher than those of the recommended safety standards.

Graphical abstractThe main source of serious PM2.5 pollution in a typical Taiyuan's winter time period was coal combustion. PAHs and NPAHs on the PM2.5 may have a significant impact on human health and cancer risk.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide