PAH in Airborne Particulate Matter

The levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in airborne particulate matter (PM) of urban aerosols were studied in Estonia. Samples of PM, particularly of the fine fractions (P-10 and PM2.5), were taken from different locations in the capital city (Tallinn). The range of mean concentrations of 16 priority PAHs, according to the US EPA List in PM2.5 was quantified from 2.5 to 6.2 ng/m(3), including benzo[a] pyrene, 0.1-0.7 ng/m(3). The composition of the PAHs fraction varied with the sampling location, that is, the pollution source characteristics. The domination of PAHs with molecular mass over 252, for example in decreasing order, Benzo[ghi] perylene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, Benzo[e] pyrene, Benzo[a] pyrene, Benzo[b] fluoranthene, Benzo[k] fluoranthene and Coronene in a busy traffic and industrial area of Tallinn gives an evidence that the non-road transport and treatment of stored fuel of a cargo port are significant source of emission.