Particle Associated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) in Urban Air of Agra

Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSPM) samples were collected at Nunhai Agra from April to September 2006. The concentrations of 16 PAHs in aerosols were quantified. The dominated predominant PAHs in TSPM include high molecular weight (HMW) congeners BghiP, DbA, IP and BaP. Nap and Acy were not detected in any of the samples. The sum of 14 priority PAHs ranged from 150 to 480 ng m(-3) with a mean value of 269 +/- 121 ng m(-3). The Results indicated that PAH concentrations at Nunhai were higher than in other industrial sites, but are comparable to those measured in several urban Chinese cities, however, and less than the industrial locations of China. Higher HMW PAH concentration were attributable to higher rates of emissions as well as or greater scavenging and adsorption of vapor phase PAH on available TSPM. Potential sources of PAHs in aerosols were identified using the diagnostic ratios between PAHs. Vehicular emissions were the main contributors of particulate-associated PAHs, with minor contribution from stationary combustion sources may also contribute to the particulate PAHs. PAHs in aerosols were predominantly from gasoline and diesel engines.