Chemical Composition of PM2.5 and PM10 and Associated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons at a Roadside and an Urban Background Area in Saitama, Japan

Abstract

The chemical compositions of PM2.5 and PM10 and associated high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated during winter and summer at a roadside and an urban background site in Saitama, Japan. The average concentrations of PM2.5 exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency standards during both periods. Carbonaceous components were abundant in both the observed and calculated (by means of a mass closure model) chemical composition of PM2.5. Traffic-related pollutants (elemental carbon and highmolecular-weight PAHs) were strongly associated with PM2.5 rather than with larger particles. The mass concentrations of PM2.5, as well as those of EC and PAHs associated with the particles, at the two sites were strongly correlated. Comparison of our data with source profile ratios indicates that diesel-powered vehicles were probably the main source of the measured PAHs. The PAHs concentrations were affected by meteorological conditions during our study. Our results highlight the need for the establishment of standards for PM2.5 in Japan.

Keywords

• diesel exhaust particles
• pahs
• traffic-related pollutants
• source profile ratio
• pm2.5