The formation of the benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) diones
(B[a]P-1,6-dione, B[a]P-3,6-dione, B[a]P-6,12-dione) as the
main products of oxidative degradation of B[a]P has
been observed under atmospheric conditions in air particulate
matter. Samples were collected at two different sites in
Munich, Germany. Total B[a]P dione concentrations were
determined by APCI/LC−MS and ranged between 8 and
605 pg m-3. The formation of the direct mutagen B[a]P-epoxide was not observed. B[a]P dione concentrations
did not correspond with B[a]P and total carbon concentrations,
but showed a correlation with solar irradiation. B[a]P
dione concentrations were higher on daytime filters compared
to filters collected during the night. Lower concentrations
of B[a]P diones were observed at the site with higher
traffic contributions, suggesting a major role of atmospheric
transport. Rapid, high-volume sampling indicates that the
B[a]P dione formation is not dependent on B[a]P
concentrations, but on photochemical conditions.