Level, potential sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particulate matter (PM10) in Naples. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Vaio, Paola; Cocozziello, Beatrice; Corvino, Angela; Fiorino, Ferdinando; Frecentese, Francesco; Magli, Elisa; Onorati, Giuseppe; Saccone, Irene; Santagada, Vincenzo; Settimo, Gaetano; Severino, Beatrice; Perissutti, Elisa
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 129(2016)
• Page Start: 186
• Page End: 196
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Particulate matter -- PAHs -- Principal component analysis -- Diagnostic ratio -- Toxic equivalent factors -- Health risk assessment; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2016.01.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: In Naples, particulate matter PM10 associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient air were determined in urban background (NA01) and urban traffic (NA02) sites. The principal objective of the study was to determine the concentration and distribution of PAHs in PM10 for identification of their possible sources (through diagnostic ratio - DR and principal component analysis - PCA) and an estimation of the human health risk (from exposure to airborne TEQ). Airborne PM10 samples were collected on quartz filters using a Low Volume Sampler (LVS) for 24 h with seasonal samples (autumn, winter, spring and summer) of about 15 days each between October 2012 and July 2013. The PM10 mass was gravimetrically determined. The PM10 levels, in all seasons, were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the urban-traffic site (NA02) than in the urban-background site (NA01). The filters were then extracted with dichloromethane using an ultrasonicator (SONICA) to perform a detailed characterization of 12 priority PAHs proposed by the USEPA, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis. The concentration of Benzo[a]Pyrene, BaP (EU and National limit value: 1 ng m −3 in PM10 ), varied from 0.065 ng m −3 during autumn time to 0.872 ng m −3 in spring time (NA01) and from 0.120 ng m −3 during autumn time to 1.48 ng m −3 of winter time (NA02) with four overshoots. In NA02 the trend of Σ12 PAHs was comparable to NA01 but were observed higher values than NA01. In fact, the mean concentration of Σ12 PAHs, in urban-traffic site was generally 2 times greater than in urban-background site in all the campaigns. PAHs with 5 and 6 ring, many of which are suspected carcinogens or genotoxic agents, (i.e Benzo[a]Pyrene, Indeno[1, 2, 3-cd]Pyrene, Benzo[b]Fluoranthene, Benzo[k]Fluoranthene and Benzo[g, h, i]Perylene), had a large contribution (∼50–55%) of total PAHs concentration in PM10 in two sites and in each of the campaigns. Diagnostic ratio analysis and PCA suggested a substantial contributions from traffic emission with minimal influence from coal combustion and natural gas emissions. In particular diesel vehicular emissions were the major source of PAHs at the studied sites. The use of Toxicity Equivalence Quantity (TEQ) concentration provide a better estimation of carcinogenicity activities; health risk to adults and children associated with PAHs inhalation was assessed by taking into account the lifetime average daily dose and corresponding incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The ILCR was within the acceptable range (10 −6 –10 −4 ), indicating a low health risk to residents in these areas. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Concentrations of PM10 and PAHs were mean high during winter time in two sites. 5 and 6 ring PAHs had a large contribute of total PAHs concentration in PM10. Diagnostic ratio analysis and PCA suggested a substantial contributions from traffic emission. Toxicity equivalent level based on PAHs revealed a low risk to residents in these areas.