[PAHs in airborne particles from Tianjin in winter season].

ABSTRACT

Total suspended particles (TSP) samples from 13 stations in Tianjin were collected and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during 2002 winter. There was significant difference in total PAH concentration among 13 samples. TSP samples from the east Economic Development Area and mid-north districts had the highest contents of PAHs, while Dagang Oil Field had the lowest PAH content. The urban area, south district, and Jixian county had the moderate contents of PAHs. Based on the measured concentration of the PAHs, BaP equivalent (BaPeq) were derived based on Toxicity Equivalent Factors (TEFs) of the PAHs. The total BaPeq values were similar among the samples. The contribution of PAHs with five or six rings contributed 90% of the total toxicity, while they accounted for only 50% of the total concentration.