Characteristics of Organic Compounds in PM2.5 at Seosan: Comparison of Organic Compounds in PM2.5 at Seoul

Abstract

Objectives In this study, we analyzed 56 individual organic compounds in PM2.5 in Seosan, where the large complex emission sources are closely located, to characterize organic compounds distributions in this site. Methods The sampling of PM2.5 in Seoul was also simultaneously carried out to compare the concentrations and distributions of organic compounds in PM2.5 measured in Seosan. Results and Discussion The overall concentration of organic compounds (OCs) in Seosan was 383±165 ng/m3 , which was twice as high as the concentration in Seoul (189±67 ng/m3 ). PAHs and levoglucosan concentrations were higher in Seosan than in Seoul, attributing mostly to emissions from fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning. The ratio of Levoglucosan/Mannosan(Levo/Manno) and Levo/K+ plot showed that the type of biomass in the biomass burning at two areas might be different. In addition, the concentrations of 1,3,5-triphenylbenzne and tere-phthalic acid, which are indicators of plastic burning, in Seosan were 2~9 times higher than Seoul, respectively. Conclusion It suggests that open burning of solid fuels such as biomass and plastic garbage was a key contributor to rising organic aerosol concentrations in Seosan.

Keywords

• seosan
• seoul
• organic compounds
• open burning
• pm