Benzo(a)pyrene levels in Jinámar valley: Preliminary results

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are by-products of incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of organic matter common processes in many natural transformations or human activities. These hydrocarbons are frequent pollutants in air, soil and water. The risk factor on living beings of the PAHs issued to the atmosphere is measured in relationship to the benzo(a)pyrene, one of the more potent carcinogens among the PAHs, because of is object of permanent study. At this paper the quantification of benzo(a)pyrene using spectrofluorimetry is realized. Ambient levels: 0.49 +/- 0.21 ng/m(3) are not alarming if is compared with urban sites. The found values do not reveal influence of the day of the week in which is accomplished the sampling but if seems to influence the winds regime, geing found furthermore a certain seasonal stability of the benzo(a)pyrene, with smaller concentrations in winter months that in the summer.