Resuspension of particulate matter and PAHs from street dust

Winter street sanding activities in northern countries are often associated with elevated pollution by particulate matter. There are indications that street dust may act as a source of particle-bound PAHs. However, very few studies have addressed the resuspension potential of PAHs from street dust. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess emissions of particulate matter and PAHs from street dust by laboratory-scale simulation of particle resuspension. Increases in air velocity caused proportional increases in air-borne PM2.5, PM10 and PMtotal concentrations, while the concentrations of PAHs associated with resuspended particles did not show clear statistically significant dependence on air velocity. A substantial difference in particle and PAH resuspension was observed between dust from the city center street and dust from the connecting street. The data obtained in the present study indicate that street dust may be a significant source not only of PMs but also of particle-bound PAHs in ambient air.

Research highlights► Street dust composition affects particle aerosolization. ► Street dust may be a substantial source of air-borne PAHs. ► PAH resuspension from street dust does not directly depend on air velocity. ► PAHs in street dust do not adequately indicate resuspension potential.