Composition, sources, and potential toxicological significance of PAHs in the surface sediments of the Meiliang Bay, Taihu Lake, China

Twenty-five surface sediment samples were collected from Meiliang Bay, Taihu Lake, China, in 2003. The concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), identified as priority pollutants by the USEPA, were determined by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). Total concentrations of the PAHs ranged from 1207 to 4754 ng/g dry weight. Sediment samples with the highest PAH concentrations were from the northern site of the bay, which is in proximity to the incoming PAH source; the PAH levels in the southern part were relatively low. The observed PAH levels were higher than those in river sediments in China but were lower than those found in sediments of urban areas and harbors. According to the observed molecular indices, PAHs originated largely from the high-temperature pyrolytic process, whereas the petrogenic process was more commonly responsible for PAH contamination in harbors. A good correlation existed between the benzo[a]pyrene level and the total PAH concentration (r=0.97), making benzo[a]pyrene a potential molecular marker for PAH pollution. According to the numerical effect-based sediment quality guideline (SQGs) of the United States, the levels of PAHs at most studied sites in Meiliang Bay, except some sites in the northern part of the bay, should not exert adverse biological effects. In the northern part of the bay, the PAH levels at sites 21 and 22 exceed the effects range low (ERL) and could thus cause acute biological impairments, in comparison with the sediment quality guidelines. The total PAH levels were expressed as the B[a]P toxicity equivalents (TEQs(carc)) and compared to the contaminated sediments from Guba Pechenga, Barents Sea, Russia.     

江苏天目湖表层沉积物中多环芳烃污染特征与来源

区别于长江三角洲地区众多的大型天然浅水湖泊，江苏天目湖是一个较深的水库型湖泊，也是重要的城乡生活及工农业水源地之一。为了解天目湖表层沉积物中多环芳烃（PAHs）污染状况， 2006年在天目湖全湖采集7个点位的表层沉积物样品，利用GC/MS分析了16种优控PAHs。结果表明：天目湖表层沉积物中16种优控PAHs总量介于28750~71393 ng/g（干重），平均值为45852 ng/g；在空间分布上，北部受污染程度高于南部，主要是北部旅游业快速发展导致污染物排放的影响；沉积物中总有机碳含量与PAHs总量呈显著相关；利用特征化合物指数对PAHs的来源进行判别，指示天目湖表层沉积物中PAHs的主要来源是木材、煤的不完全燃烧。与不同地区水体沉积物PAHs含量对比表明，天目湖PAHs污染处于一个低至中等程度。基于沉积物中多环芳烃的环境质量标准，仅有1个样点芴浓度超过风险效应低值，但远小于毒性风险效应中值，因此沉积物中多环芳烃的生态风险较小。然而天目湖表层沉积物中的PAHs的污染程度已超过南水北调东线所经过的南四湖，而且天目湖湖水较深，湖水交换周期比较长，其PAHs污染应引起重视，需制定切实措施保护江苏“最后一泓净水”。     

龙岩市省控断面水体中多环芳烃的污染特征、风险评价

对九龙江流域龙岩市省控断面2011年秋季、2012年冬季以及2012年春季河水中多环芳烃(PAHs)进行了分析。结果表明：该控断面河水中PAHs总量浓度变化为99~1788 ng/L，其组成特征是以3环(567%)、5环(246%)和4环(151%)为主，表明3环、4环及5环PAHs是九龙江流域龙岩市省控断面水中PAHs的最主要成分。地表水健康风险评价结果显示，红坊赤坑、雁石桥、捷步桥、顶坊4个采样点苯并\[a\]芘(BaP)毒性当量值(EBaP)均超出我国环境保护部(CEPA)制定的EBaP=2.8 ng/L的国家标准     

红枫湖地表水中多环芳烃的分布及来源

将固相微萃取与气相色谱联用，对贵阳红枫湖水样中16种美国环境保护署优控的多环芳烃进行分析。结果表明：红枫湖水中16种多环芳烃总量为0167 1~0336 4 μg/L，与国内其它水系相比，湖中存在多环芳烃轻度污染。7种（萘、荧蒽、苯并(b)荧蒽、苯并(k)荧蒽、苯并(a)芘、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘和苯并(ghi)苝）多环芳烃的总量未超出中国城市供水行业对多环芳烃规定的限值，但作为饮用水源，红枫湖水中的苯并(a)芘含量已超出我国标准GB3838-2002中生活饮用水地表水源地的苯并(a)芘限值，并且苯并(a)蒽、〖JX-*9〗〖SX（B-25x〗〖HT7，5”〗艹〖〗〖HT6”，5”〗屈〖HT5”〗〖SX）〗〖JX*9〗、苯并(b)荧蒽、苯并(k)荧蒽、苯并(a)芘、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘的含量也超过了美国环境保护署地表水水质标准限值。通过多环芳烃特征参数的比值，分析了红枫湖水中多环芳烃的污染来源。污染源分析表明，湖中多环芳烃的主要来源为燃烧源，包括木材、煤以及化石燃料的燃烧，同时也有一部分多环芳烃是来源石油类物质的输入.     

红枫湖地表水中多环芳烃的分布及来源

将固相微萃取与气相色谱联用，对贵阳红枫湖水样中16种美国环境保护署优控的多环芳烃进行分析。结果表明：红枫湖水中16种多环芳烃总量为0167 1~0336 4 μg/L，与国内其它水系相比，湖中存在多环芳烃轻度污染。7种（萘、荧蒽、苯并(b)荧蒽、苯并(k)荧蒽、苯并(a)芘、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘和苯并(ghi)苝）多环芳烃的总量未超出中国城市供水行业对多环芳烃规定的限值，但作为饮用水源，红枫湖水中的苯并(a)芘含量已超出我国标准GB3838-2002中生活饮用水地表水源地的苯并(a)芘限值，并且苯并(a)蒽、〖JX-*9〗〖SX（B-25x〗〖HT7，5”〗艹〖〗〖HT6”，5”〗屈〖HT5”〗〖SX）〗〖JX*9〗、苯并(b)荧蒽、苯并(k)荧蒽、苯并(a)芘、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘的含量也超过了美国环境保护署地表水水质标准限值。通过多环芳烃特征参数的比值，分析了红枫湖水中多环芳烃的污染来源。污染源分析表明，湖中多环芳烃的主要来源为燃烧源，包括木材、煤以及化石燃料的燃烧，同时也有一部分多环芳烃是来源石油类物质的输入.     

Residues and source identification of persistent organic pollutants in farmland soils irrigated by effluents from biological treatment plants

Sewage and industrial effluents from biological treatment plant have been widely used for agricultural irrigation in north part of China. However, effluents after biological treatment still contain heavy metals and persistent organic contaminants. The persistent organic contaminants accumulated in soil may transfer through the food chains and cause adverse health effects on human or biological effects on soil fauna and flora after long-term application. In present study, field surveys were carried out in the farmlands irrigated by effluents from biological treatment plants that receive sewage wastewater and industrial discharges. Residues of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the soils irrigated using both ground water and effluents were compared. The origins of PAHs in the soils were discussed. The results showed that wastewater irrigation could cause accumulation of PAHs in soils close to the pollution discharge. Significantly higher concentrations of PAHs were observed in the sampling sites close to the entrance of main channel in contrast to those along branches and the reference sites. There was no significant relationship between the accumulation of persistent organic pollutants and organic matter content in soil (TOC). Soil contamination of these persistent organic pollutants as affected by effluent irrigation was characterized by the dominant accumulation of high-molecular-weight PAHs (HMW-PAHs). In the case study, concentration of benzo[a]pyrane (BaP, 45.6 ng/g), indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (IcP, 86.3 ng/g), benzo[g,h,i]perlene (BgP, 66.9 ng/g) could exceed the limits of the soil quality standard for biodegraded soils. In identification of the sources, the IcP/BgP values of PAHs in soils were more close to that in air particulates from coal/coke source (1.09+/-0.03 ng/g) [Dickhut RM, Canuel EA, Gustafson KE, Liu K, Arzayus KM, Walkers E, et al. Automotive sources of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with particulate matter in the chesapeake bay region. Environ Sci Technol 2000;34:4635-40]. Therefore, both of the PAHs residues in effluents and emission from a nearby coal/coke plant were responsible. Also in this case study, low levels of the OCPs were observed and were not of significant concern in this wastewater irrigation area. Among the different OCPs analyzed, DDTs (mean 8.41 ng/g) and HCHs (mean 2.91 ng/g) were the major components. From the ratios of DDT/DDTs and beta-HCH/HCHs, it indicated that OCPs residues should be from historical usage.     

南京市典型工业区耕地中多环芳烃源解析

多环芳烃作为重要的环境激素类物质，对环境和人类健康具有严重危害而受到人们的广泛重视。选择南京市某一大型钢铁集团周边耕地土壤为研究对象，对研究区域内多环芳烃（PAHs）残留量进行调查，并对其污染来源进行解析，为该区域土壤PAHs的综合防治提供参考依据。结果表明：PAHs总残留量范围为312.2~27 580.9 ng/g，且以4环以上多环芳烃组分为主。单一污染物以芘、屈、荧蒽、苯并［a］芘、蒽、菲、苯并［a］蒽、苯并［k］荧蒽、茚并［1,2,3 cd］芘、苯并［g,h,i］苝为主。不同样区土壤PAHs残留量受常年风向影响明显。推测工业区的气体性排放物是本研究区域土壤中PAHs的主要来源。大气沉降可能是导致本研究区PAHs污染的重要途径之一。另外，地表径流、固体废弃物排放、生活燃煤等导致部分采样点含量较高。在对下风向区域中距中心污染源不同距离采样点PAHs含量分析时发现，高环PAHs总量总体表现出随污染源距离的增加，污染程度递减的规律。在对多环芳烃源成分谱轮廓特征的分析基础上，利用各种参数，从分子量优势度、环数相对丰度、特征指数等方面，分别对各区域土壤中多环芳烃来源进行比较分析，据此推断，四区域PAHs污染均在不同程度上受化石的燃烧所致，但各区域的PAHs污染源不同。钢铁企业内的炼焦厂是该区域多环芳烃主要污染源之一.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in coastal sediments of the Izmit Bay (Marmara Sea): case studies before and after the Izmit Earthquake

Izmit Bay and its coastal environment was strongly affected by the August 17th, 1999 Izmit Earthquake. The changes in the Bay ecosystem and its chemical oceanography have been studied in detail previously [Okay, O.S., Tolun, L, Telli-Karako?, F., Tüfek?i, V., Tüfek?i, H. And Morko?, E. 2001. Yzmit Bay ecosystem after Marmara earthquake and subsequent fire: The long-term data. Marine Pollution Bulletin 42, 361-369; Balkys, N. 2003. The effect of Marmara (Izmit ) Earthquake on the chemical oceanography of Izmit Bay, Turkey. Marine Pollution Bulletin 46, 865-878.]. In this study surface sediments collected from the Izmit Bay before and after the earthquake have been analysed for total and individual (14 compounds) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Analyses have been performed by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC/FD). Before the earthquake, total PAH concentrations in the Bay sediments ranged from 120 to 8900 ng/g while after the earthquake PAH concentrations varied between 240 and 11,400 ng/g. Molecular indices based on isomeric PAH ratios used to differentiate the pollution sources, clearly indicate the differences in molecular distribution of PAHs before and after the earthquake. Sediment data obtained before the earthquake shows that most of the contamination originated from high temperature pyrolytic inputs while after the earthquake it originated from petrogenic sources. This difference emphasises the environmental impact of uncontrolled discharges from petroleum industries after the earthquake. The LMW/HMW ratio (sum of the low molecular weight PAHs / the sum of higher molecular weight PAHs) predominance also changed after the earthquake as a result of the strong water movements. According to the characteristics of aromatic rings distributed in the bay sediments, the soluble parts of the total PAH were probably transferred to the water column after the earthquake as a result of resuspension process. The TEL/PEL (Threshold Effect Level / Probable Effect Level) analysis suggests that the Izmit Bay sediments were likely contaminated by acutely toxic PAH compounds.     

Exploring the fate,transport and risk of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) in a coastal region of China using a multimedia model

Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and related substances have been widely applied in both industrial processes and domestic products in China. Exploring the environmental fate and transport of PFOS using modeling methods provides an important link between emission and multimedia diffusion which forms a vital part in the human health risk assessment and chemical management for these substances. In this study, the gridded fugacity based BETR model was modified to make it more suitable to model transfer processes of PFOS in a coastal region, including changes to PFOS partition coefficients to reflect the influence of water salinity on its sorption behavior. The fate and transport of PFOS in the Bohai coastal region of China were simulated under steady state with the modified version of the model. Spatially distributed emissions of PFOS and related substances in 2010 were estimated and used in these simulations. Four different emission scenarios were investigated, in which a range of half-lives for PFOS related substances were considered. Concentrations of PFOS in air, vegetation, soil, fresh water, fresh water sediment and coastal water were derived from the model under the steady-state assumption. The median modeled PFOS concentrations in fresh water, fresh water sediment and soil were 7.20 ng/L, 0.39 ng/g and 0.21 ng/g, respectively, under Emission Scenario 2 (which assumed all PFOS related substances immediately degrade to PFOS) for the whole region, while the maximum concentrations were 47.10 ng/L, 4.98 ng/g and 2.49 ng/g, respectively. Measured concentration data for PFOS in the Bohai coastal region around the year of 2010 were collected from the literature. The reliability of the model results was evaluated by comparing the range of modeled concentrations with the measured data, which generally matched well for the main compartments. Fate and transfer fluxes were derived from the model based on the calculated inventory within the compartments, transfer fluxes between compartments and advection fluxes between sub-regions. It showed that soil and costal water were likely to be the most important sinks of PFOS in the Bohai costal region, in which more than 90% of PFOS was stored. Flows of fresh water were the driving force for spatial transport of PFOS in this region. Influences of the seasonal change of fresh water fluxes on the model results were also analyzed. When only seasonal changes of the fresh water flow rates were considered, concentrations of PFOS in winter and spring were predicted to be higher than that under annual average conditions, while the concentrations in summer and autumn were lower. For PFOS fluxes entering the sea, opposite conclusions were drawn compared to the concentrations. Environmental risks from the presence of PFOS in fresh water were assessed for this region through comparison with available water quality criteria values. The predicted concentrations of PFOS in the Bohai coastal region provided by the model were lower than the water quality criteria published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Chinese researchers, while the concentrations in more than 80% of the sampling locations exceeded the European Union Water Framework Directive Environmental Quality Standards values. Seasonal variations of flow rate might cause a significant increase in environmental risks.     

长江口潮间带湿地涨退潮期N2O的排放通量研究

随着河口区接收上游人为氮排放量的增加,为这一区域氧化亚氮（N2O）的排放增加了很大不确定性。选择长江河口潮间带湿地为研究对象,分别采用原位静态箱法和静态顶空法,从2011年1月至12月对长江口沉积物 大气界面以及涨潮水 大气界面的N2O排放通量进行了为期一年的现场观测和研究。研究结果表明,沉积物 大气界面N2O通量有着显著的时空差异。N2O排放通量在日变化以及季节变化上都表现出明显的源汇转变,就年平均排放通量,光滩带沉积物 大气界面达到了599 μgN2O/(m2〖DK〗·h),而海三棱藨草盐沼带与大气间N2O交换则十分微弱,为060 μgN2O/(m2〖DK〗·h)。对长江口涨退潮期光滩和草滩上覆水体 大气界面N2O排放通量的研究表明,长江口涨退潮期在夏季和秋季,无论是光滩还是草滩均表现为大气N2O的稳定排放源,其中夏季平均253 μgN2O/(m2〖DK〗·h),秋季平均排放通量为207 μgN2O/(m2〖DK〗·h)。作为河口区上游排放氮素的直接接收者,和沉积物 大气界面N2O排放相比,长江口涨潮水 大气界面N2O排放稳定而又显著,是长江口N2O排放的主要贡献者,应成为这一区域N2O排放的关注热点     

Carcinogenic potential, levels and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures in indoor and outdoor environments and their implications for air quality standards

Both the World Health Organization and the UK Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards (EPAQS) have considered benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) as a marker of the carcinogenic potency of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) mixture, when recommending their respective guidelines for PAHs in outdoor air. The aim of this research is to compare the concentrations and relative abundance of individual PAH and their contribution to the overall carcinogenic potential of the PAH mixture in indoor and outdoor environments to assess the suitability of the UK air quality standard derived for outdoor air for use as a guideline for indoor environments. Samples were collected onto filters using active sampling in different indoor and outdoor microenvironments. The ratio of individual compounds to BaP, the BaP equivalent concentrations and the percentage contribution of each individual compound to the total carcinogenic potential of the PAH mixture were calculated. Mean concentrations were generally lower indoors (BaP=0.10 ng/m(3)) than outdoors (BaP=0.19 ng/m(3)), with the exception of indoor environments with wood burners (BaP=2.4 ng/m(3)) or ETS (BaP=0.6 ng/m(3)). The ratio of individual PAHs to BaP showed no significant differences between indoors (e.g. DahA/BaP=0.27) and outdoors (DahA/BaP=0.31). The relative contribution of BaP to the PAH overall carcinogenic potency is similar indoors (49%), outdoors (54%) and in the smelter environment (48%) used by EPAQS to derive the UK Air Quality Standard for ambient air. These results suggest the suitability of BaP as a marker for the carcinogenic potential of the PAH mixture irrespective of the environment. Despite small differences in PAH mixture composition indoors and outdoors, the level of protection afforded by the present EPAQS standard is likely to be similar whether it is applied to indoor or outdoor air.     

河口滨岸悬浮颗粒物中多环芳烃分布与风险评价

通过收集长江口滨岸13个典型采样点上覆水中的悬浮颗粒物,分析了悬浮颗粒中多环芳烃(PAHs)的含量水平,探讨了PAHs的来源,并进行了生态风险评价。研究结果显示,EPA14种优控PAHs的总量在600~12 308 ng/g 之间,平均值为5 373 ng/g,其组成主要以3环和4环PAH为主。受附近陆源输入的影响,顾路采样点的PAHs含量最高,此外,临近城市排污、滨岸工业开发区及河道排污口的采样点PAHs含量也较高,如石洞口、金山、白茆、浏河口等。结合PAHs不同环数的相对丰度与同分异构体荧蒽/芘、芘/苯并［a］蒽比值,初步推断出人类油污染及矿物燃料的不完全燃烧是悬浮颗粒物中PAHs的主要来源。此外,参照有关环境质量标准,发现悬浮颗粒物中萘、菲、芴、蒽/苯并［b］荧蒽和苯并［k］荧蒽等化合物已经产生不同程度的生物影响效应。     

Precipitation scavenging of 7Be and 137Cs radionuclides in air

Atmospheric depositional fluxes of the naturally occurring 7Be of cosmogenic origin and 137Cs from fallout of the Chernobyl accident were measured over a 6-year period (January 1987-December 1992) at Thessaloniki, Greece (40 degrees 38'N, 22 degrees 58'E). Total precipitation accumulation during 1987-1992 varied between 33.7 cm and 65.2 cm, reflecting a relatively dry (precipitation-free) climate. The activity concentrations of 7Be and 137Cs in rainwater depended on the precipitation rate, being higher for low precipitation rates and lesser for high precipitation rates. 137Cs was removed by rain and snow more efficiently than 7Be. Snowfall was more efficient than rainfall in removing the radionuclides from the atmosphere. The annual bulk depositional fluxes of 7Be varied between 477 and 1133 Bq m(-2) y(-1) and this variability was attributed to the amount of precipitation and the variations of the atmospheric concentrations of 7Be. The annual bulk depositional fluxes of 137Cs showed a significant decrease over time from 1987 to 1992, resulting in a removal half-life of 1.33 years. The presence of 137Cs in air, and therefore in rainwater and snow, long after the Chernobyl accident (26 April 1986) was mainly due to the resuspension process. The normalized depositional fluxes of both radionuclides showed maximal values during the spring season where the maximum amount of precipitation occurred. The relatively high positive correlation between 7Be and 137Cs normalized depositional fluxes indicates that the scavenging process of local precipitation controlled the fluxes of both radionuclides. The dry depositional flux of 7Be was less than 9.37% of total (wet and dry) depositional flux. The fraction of dry-to-total depositional flux of 137Cs was much higher than that of 7Be, due to the resuspended soil.     

玻璃表面PAHs垂向分布特征与室内外对比研究

利用GC-MS对上海市玻璃表面有机膜中PAHs浓度进行了定量分析。结果表明随着楼层的增加,10层居民楼玻璃表面PAHs浓度出现先增加后减少的趋势,最高浓度出现在3层(736 ng/m~2),最低在9层(346 ng/m2);17层公寓楼PAHs浓度则是先减少后增加再减少的趋势,最高浓度出现在9层(2 338 ng/m~2),最低在16层(564 ng/m~2)。TOC与PAHs相关性分析暗示除TOC外,玻璃表面PAHs富集可能还受控于其他因素。10层居民楼主要以3环和4环PAHs为主;而17层公寓楼则以4环为主。玻璃外表面PAHs浓度(555 ng/m~2)远高于内表面(308 ng/m~2);外表面主要以Phe、Pyr、Chry、Fluo和Fl为主;内外表面低环PAHs比值接近于1,高环比值基本上低于0.6。TEQ值虽然较低,但生态风险仍不能忽视。     

Water to atmosphere fluxes of 131I in relation with alkyl-iodide compounds from the Seine Estuary (France)

This study presents an original work on measurements of stable and radioactive iodinated species in the Seine estuary (France), with estimates fluxes of volatile gaseous species from water to the atmosphere. Various iodinated compounds were identified in water and air in particular 131I in water, what is unusual. Concentrations and behaviour of iodinated elements in the Seine estuary seem similar to what has been observed in other European estuaries. MeI (Methyl Iodide) and Total Volatile Iodine (TVI) fluxes from water to air vary between 392 and 13949 pmol m(-2) d(-1) and between 1279 and 16484 pmol m(-2) d(-1), respectively. Water to air flux of TVI for the Seine river was estimated in the range 4-46 kg y(-1). Measurements of (131)I in water varying between 0.4 and 11.9 Bq m(-3). Fluxes of (131)I from water to atmosphere are in the range 2.4 x 10(5)-1.3 x 10(7)Bq y(-1), close to an annual discharge of (131)I by a nuclear reactor.     

Assessing inhalatory and dermal exposures and their resultant health-risks for workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in oil mists in a fastener manufacturing industry

This study first assessed workers' inhalatory and dermal exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in oil mists. Then, their resultant lung cancer and skin cancer risks were estimated. Finally, control strategies were initiated from the health-risk management aspect. All threading workers in a fastener manufacturing plant were included. 16 inhalatory and 88 dermal PAH exposure samples were collected. Results show that the inhalatory gas phase total PAH exposure level (8.60x10(4) ng/m(3)) was much higher than that of particle phase (2.30x10(3) ng/m(3)). Workers' mean inhalatory exposure level (8.83x10(4) ng/m(3)) was lower, but its corresponding 1-sided upper 95% confidence level (UCL(1,95%)=1.02x10(5) ng/m(3)) was higher than the time-weighted average permissible exposure level (PEL-TWA) regulated in Taiwan for PAHs (1.00x10(5) ng/m(3)). The mean whole body total PAHs dermal exposure levels was 5.44x10(6) ng/day and the top five exposed surface areas were lower arm, hand, upper arm, neck, and head/front. The estimated lifetime skin cancer risk (9.72x10(-3)) was lower than that of lung cancer risk (1.64x10(-2)), but both were higher than the significant risk level (10(-3)) defined by the US Supreme Court in 1980. The installation of a local exhaust ventilation system at the threading machine should be considered as the first priority measurement because both lung and skin cancer risks can be reduced simultaneously. If the personal protection equipment would be adopted in the future, both respiratory protection equipment and protective clothing should be used simultaneously.     

A review of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their human health effects

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of organic compounds comprised of two or more fused benzene rings arranged in various configurations. PAHs are widespread environmental contaminants formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic materials such as fossil fuels. The occurrence of PAHs in ambient air is an increasing concern because of their carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. Although emissions and allowable concentrations of PAHs in air are now regulated, the health risk posed by PAH exposure suggests a continuing need for their control through air quality management. In light of the environmental significance of PAH exposure, this review offers an overview of PAH properties, fates, transformations, human exposure, and health effects (acute and chronic) associated with their emission to the atmosphere. Biomarkers of PAH exposure and their significance are also discussed.     

PAH mass concentrations measured in PM10 particle fraction

This paper presents daily, monthly and yearly variations of PAH mass concentrations measured in PM(10) particle fraction, collected at one measuring site in Zagreb air between 2001 and 2004, and seasonal differences in PAH mass concentrations in PM(10) samples collected from 21 March 2003 to 20 March 2004. Twenty-four hour samples were taken in the northern residential part of Zagreb using a low-volume (50 m(3)) sampler and glass or quartz filters. The analysis was performed using a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) and fluorescence detector with changeable excitation and emission wavelength. The annual average mass concentrations over the four-year measuring period for BaP ranged from 1.17 ng/m(3) in 2004 to 1.87 ng/m(3) in 2003 and were below the limit value (2 ng/m(3)) set by the Ordinance on Recommended and Limit Air Quality Values in Croatia. The highest concentrations of all PAHs measured in PM(10) samples collected from 21 March 2003 to 20 March 2004 were found in the winter and the lowest in the summer. Winter average of BaP was 2.94 ng/m(3) and summer average 0.12 ng/m(3). Autumn average was 2.76 ng/m(3) and was very similar to winter concentrations. Spring average of 0.58 ng/m(3) was higher than the summer average (0.12 ng/m(3)). Mass concentrations of all measured PAHs were much higher in the autumn than in the spring. Although annual averages for BaP did not exceed the limit value, autumn and winter BaP mass concentrations did, which calls for measures for reducing PAH emissions in the autumn and winter.     

A comparison of concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds detected in dust samples from various regions of the world

Settled house dust can be a source of human exposure to toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through non-dietary ingestion and dermal contact. Information regarding the concentrations of various contaminants in house dust would be useful in estimating the risk associated with exposure to these compounds. This study reports on the surface loading, variability and distribution of PAHs in settled house dust collected from homes in three locations: Sumgayit, Azerbaijan; Shanxi Province, China; and southern Texas, United States. The highest PAH floor surface loadings were observed in China, followed by Azerbaijan and Texas. Median concentrations of high molecular weight (four ring and larger) PAHs ranged from a low of 0.11 microg/m(2) in Texas, to 2.9 microg/m(2) in Azerbaijan and 162 microg/m(2) in China. These trends in total surface loading and relative carcinogenicity indicate that the risk of health effects from exposure to PAHs in house dust is highest in the Chinese population and lowest in the Texas population. As anticipated, variability among dust samples from different houses within the same region was high, with coefficients of variation greater than 100%. Alkylated PAHs comprised 30-50% of the total mass of PAHs. Based on a comparison of the composition of specific components, PAHs in China and Azerbaijan were determined to be derived mainly from combustion sources rather than from unburned fossil fuels such as petroleum. These results, coupled with ongoing investigation of appropriate PAH exposure biomarkers in humans, will guide future efforts to identify ways to reduce exposures in the study areas.     

Are the residents of former Yugoslavia still exposed to elevated PCB levels due to the Balkan wars? Part 1: Air sampling in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) spilled into the environment as a result of damaged industrial and military targets, natural resources, and infrastructure during the Balkan wars still pose a problem several years later. The aim of this project was to investigate an extent to which the residents of former Yugoslavia are exposed to elevated levels of POPs as a consequence of the wars. The atmospheric as well as the soil levels of PCBs, OCPs and PAHs were determined in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina during five high volume air sampling campaigns in 2003 and 2004. A considerable contamination of several sites was detected (PCB concentrations in the atmosphere ranged between 67 pg m(-3) and 40 ng m(-3) for the sum of 7 indicator congeners) and the levels are reported in this article.