Polycyclical aromatic hydrocarbons in a suburban atmosphere: 2 species with four benzene rings

Abstract

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): pyrene chrysene, fluoranthene and benz(a)anthracene in atmospheric particulates in Jinamar(Gran Canaria) during a 12 months period by GC/MD were determinated. Mean concentrations, pyrene (0.040ng/m(3)), chrysene (0.046 ng/m(3)), fluoranthene (0.082 ng/m(3)) and benz(a)anthracene (0.103 ng/m(3)), reveal lowest values for pyrene probably for the majority presence of the compound in gas phase. Except for chrysene, a general decrease in concentrations during summer time is observed possibly due to particulates-gas conversion process during that time. Temperature seems to influence the concentrations especially in pyrene and chrysene cases with values 81% and 123% respectively higher when temperature was below 20 degreesC than when such value was reached or surpassed. Relative humidity also seems influence concentrations of these chemical species.