Particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the atmosphere of Bizerte city, Tunisia

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2014 Sep;93(3):375-82. doi: 10.1007/s00128-014-1303-9. Epub 2014 Jun 6.

Abstract

The particle-phase concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in 13 air samples collected in an urban area of Bizerte (Tunisia) during 2009-2010. Atmospheric particulate samples were extracted by ultrasonic bath and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. PAH were found in all the analyzed air samples and the most abundant compounds were pyrene, fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, chrysene and benzo[a]pyrene. ∑14-PAH concentrations ranging from 9.38 to 44.81 ng m(-3) with mean value of 25.39 ng m(-3). PAH diagnostic ratio source analysis revealed gasoline and diesel vehicular emissions as major sources. The mean total benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalent calculated for samples was 3.66 ng m(-3) and the mean contribution of the carcinogenic potency of benzo[a]pyrene was determined to be 55.8 %. Concentrations of particulate PAH in Bizerte city atmosphere were approximately eight times greater than sampled at a nearby rural site.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Atmosphere / analysis
  • Carcinogens / analysis
  • Chrysenes / analysis
  • Cities
  • Gasoline / analysis
  • Humans
  • Particulate Matter / analysis*
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / analysis*
  • Pyrenes / analysis
  • Tunisia
  • Vehicle Emissions / analysis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Carcinogens
  • Chrysenes
  • Gasoline
  • Particulate Matter
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Pyrenes
  • Vehicle Emissions
  • chrysene