Evaluation of Long-term Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds across Canada under the National Air Pollution Surveillance Program

ANDRZEJ WNOROWSKI, Valbona Celo, Environment and Climate Change Canada

     Abstract Number: 604
     Working Group: Aerosol Chemistry

Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), considered prevalent atmospheric pollutants and which are regulated, have already been well characterized in the environment and are included in monitoring programs around the globe for compliance with air quality objectives. PACs have numerous origins usually associated with thermal decomposition of organic matter, such as from vehicular emissions, coal/wood/biomass burning, and industrial manufacturing. These persistent, toxic, and carcinogenic pollutants have been a focus of many studies around the world. The National Air Pollution Surveillance Program (NAPS) PAH dataset represents one of the longest high-quality datasets available globally from both urban and non-urban locations. Therefore, NAPS data provide highly comprehensive information regarding concentration trends and pollution sources for policy-makers’ discussions over the need for regulations of reported pollutants. The data also ensures stakeholders have the science-based information to make decisions in regards to setting objectives and guidelines, and to evaluate effectiveness of already controlled pollutants.

This study presents the concentrations of 29 PACs in 24-hour gas phase and particulate matter integrated ambient air samples collected at selected NAPS sites, between 2002 and 2019. Temporal trends, seasonal effects, and major pollution sources at different types of sites (point-source, urban, near-road, background) will be presented and discussed.