Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Athens atmosphere

Abstract

Concentrations of total suspended particulates (TSP), benzene soluble fraction (BSF) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) have been determined in ambient air from four different sites in Athens, situated in urban, semi-industrial and industrial areas. GLC analysis has been applied for the determination of PAH, while the CGC/MS technique was used in order to confirm the obtained results. The same PAH pattern was observed for all stations. The identified PAH have been fluoranthene (FLA), pyrene (PYR), benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), chrysene (CHR), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), benzo(e)pyrene (BeP) and benzo(ghi)perylene (B(ghi)P). The concentrations of individual PAH ranged from traces to 33 ng m-3 (e.g. same or lower comparing to other large cities). The higher values of PAH were found during adverse meteorological conditions.