Investigation of PM2.5-bound Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (nitrated-PAHs and oxygenated-PAHs) in the roadside environment at the eastern coastal region of China: characterization, source identification, and toxicity evaluation

Spatiotemporal Gradients of PAH Concentrations in Greek Cities and Associated Exposure Impacts

“…Finally, the ratio of the less volatile species (IP/(IP + BghiP)) is used in order to distinguish between petrogenic (<0.2), vehicular exhaust (0.2-0.5) and biomass/coal burning (>0.5) sources [107]. On the contrary, during summer, Piraeus was the only site exhibiting a majority contribution of LMW PAHs, which should be considered indicative of oil combustion in passenger ships navigating, calling at or hoteling in the port area [96,97]. Moreover, LMW PAH-emitting vehicular diesel emissions are an important contributor near the site in summer [98], with an increased number of heavy duty vehicles transporting goods to insular areas of Greece to accommodate tourist needs.…”

“…The only site that showed a substantial contribution of LMW PAHs during winter was Athens (~10%). At the Thissio site, which is a receptor site[23], a high contribution to Σ16ΡΑΗs (~33%) has been estimated by source apportionment analysis for a diesel/oil source (vehicles, central heating, shipping) enriched in LMW PAHs[18].On the contrary, during summer, Piraeus was the only site exhibiting a majority contribution of LMW PAHs, which should be considered indicative of oil combustion in passenger ships navigating, calling at or hoteling in the port area[96,97]. Moreover, LMW PAH-emitting vehicular diesel emissions are an important contributor near the site in summer[98], with an increased number of heavy duty vehicles transporting goods to insular areas of Greece to accommodate tourist needs.…”