Particle-size distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the urban agglomeration of Thessaloniki, northern Greece. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Besis, Athanasios; Botsaropoulou, Elisavet; Voutsa, Dimitra; Samara, Constantini
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 104(2015)
• Page Start: 176
• Page End: 185
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers -- Particle-size distribution -- Urban atmosphere -- Intake -- Human exposure -- Greece; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2015.01.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: The size distribution of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in particle sizes <0.49, 0.49–0.97, 0.97–1.5, 1.5–3.0, 3.0–7.2 and >7.2 μm was measured during the cold and the warm period of the year 2013 at traffic and background sites in the urban agglomeration of Thessaloniki, northern Greece. Mean aggregate concentrations (sum of six particle fractions) of the sum of 12 PBDE congeners (∑12 PBDE) were 20.3 and 2.1 pg m −3 at the traffic and the urban background site, respectively, in the cold period exhibiting relative increase (27.1 and 2.4 pg m −3, respectively) in the warm period. At both sampling sites, more than 58% of ∑12 PBDE was found to be associated with particles smaller than 0.49 μm in diameter. The outdoor workday inhalation exposure to PBDEs was estimated by calculating daily intake values for respirable, thoracic and inhalable fractions. Highlights: Size distribution of PBDEs was measured in the urban agglomeration of Thessaloniki. More than 58% of ∑12 PBDE was found associated with particles <0.49 μm in diameter. The dominant congeners in all samples were BDE-47 and BDE-99. Average outdoor workday inhalation exposure was estimated.