AAAR 35th Annual Conference October 17 - October 21, 2016 Oregon Convention Center Portland, Oregon, USA
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A Quantitative Assessment of Source Contributions to Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Their Nitrated and Hydroxylated Derivatives in Hong Kong
YIQIU MA, Yubo Cheng, Xinghua Qiu, Yan Lin, Jing Cao, Di Hu, Hong Kong Baptist University
Abstract Number: 91 Working Group: Source Apportionment
Abstract Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives are of great concern due to their adverse health effects. However, source identification and apportionment of these compounds, particularly their nitrated and hydroxylated derivatives (i.e., NPAHs and OHPAHs), in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Hong Kong are still lacking. In this study, we conducted a 1-year observation at an urban site in Hong Kong. PM2.5-bound PAHs and their derivatives were measured, with median concentrations of 4.59 nanogram, 44.4 picogram and 31.6 picogram per cubic meter for total 21 PAHs, total 17 NPAHs, and total 12 OHPAHs, respectively. Higher levels were observed on regional pollution days than on long regional transport (LRT) or local emission days. Based on positive matrix factorization analysis, four sources were determined: marine vessels, vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and a mixed source of coal combustion and NPAHs secondary formation. Coal combustion and biomass burning were the major sources of PAHs, contributing over 85% of PAHs on regional and LRT days. Biomass burning was the predominant source of OHPAHs throughout the year, while NPAHs mainly originated from secondary formation and fuel combustion. For benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-based PM2.5 toxicity, the mixed source of coal combustion and NPAHs secondary formation was the major contributor, followed by biomass burning and vehicle emissions.