Atmospheric Behaviour of Polycyclic and Nitro-Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Water-Soluble Inorganic Ions in Winter in Kirishima, a Typical Japanese Commercial City

Abstract

Kirishima is a typical Japanese commercial city, famous for frequent volcanic activity. This is the first study to determine the characteristics of PM2.5-bound polycyclic and nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs and NPAHs) and water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) in this city. In this study, the non-volcanic eruption period was taken as the target and daily PM2.5 samples were collected from 24 November to 21 December 2016. The daily concentrations in PM2.5 of ƩPAHs, ƩNPAHs, and ƩWSIIs ranged from 0.36 to 2.90 ng/m3, 2.12 to 22.3 pg/m3, and 1.96 to 11.4 μg/m3, respectively. Through the results of the diagnostic ratio analyses of the PAHs, NPAHs, and WSIIs and the backward trajectory analysis of the air masses arriving in Kirishima, the emission sources of PAHs, NPAHs, and WSIIs in PM2.5 in Kirishima were influenced by the coal burning that came from the East Asian continent, although there was no influence from volcanic emission sources during the sampling period. The total benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-equivalent concentration was lower than many other cities but the health risks in Kirishima were nonetheless notable. These findings are very important for future research on PM samples during the inactive Asian monsoon and volcanic eruption periods, to further understand the characteristics of air pollutants in Kirishima, and to contribute to the improvement in health of residents and a reduction in the atmospheric circulation of air pollutants in East Asia.

Exposure to Atmospheric Particulate Matter-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Health Effects: A Review

“…The results for these cities indicate average concentrations ranging from 1.36 to 1056 ng/m 3 [18,73,[127][128][129][130][131][132][133][134][135][136], and the seasonal and regional differences are consistent with the results reported by Yan et al [126]. In other Asian cities, relatively low concentrations levels of PAHs have been observed in Japan [137][138][139], South Korea [140,141], Vietnam [142], Singapore [143], Malaysia [144], Thailand [145], Qatar [146], and Lebanon [147], ranging from 0.56 ng/m 3 (Doha, Qatar) to 29.5 ng/m 3 (Gwangju, South Korea). Relatively high PAH concentration levels have been observed in Mongolia [148], Pakistan [149], India [150][151][152], and Iran [153,154] ranging from 0.66 ng/m 3 (Bushehr, Iran) to 773 ng/m 3 (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia), which countries are the most polluted areas in the world.…”

PM-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitro-Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Ambient Air of Vladivostok: Seasonal Variation, Sources, Health Risk Assessment and Long-Term Variability

“…In summer, almost all [BaP]/([BaP] + [BeP]) ratios were below 0.5, indicating that local emissions might contribute to PAHs and NPAHs at Vladivostok. As in our previous study [ 1 , 11 , 28 ], this may be a reason for the decrease in [BaP]/([BaP] + [BeP]), since the air mass in summer mainly comes from the Vladivostok port.…”

“…In summer, almost all [BaP]/([BaP] + [BeP]) ratios were below 0.5, indicating that local emissions might contribute to PAHs and NPAHs at Vladivostok. As in our previous study [1,11,28], this may be a reason for the decrease in [BaP]/([BaP] + [BeP]), since the air mass in summer mainly comes from the Vladivostok port. can be divided into airborne NPAHs that are mainly generated from combustion (fresh particles, value < 5) or atmospheric reactions (ageing particles, value > 5) [64].…”

“…Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is a ubiquitous air pollutant that affects flora, fauna and humans. Although the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAH) in PM are generally much lower than those of other compounds [ 1 , 2 ], PAHs and NPAHs have been found to be the major components associated with carcinogens and mutagens, such as BaP and 6-nitrochrysene (6-NC) [ 3 , 4 ]. PAHs and NPAHs can easily move among ecosystems and adversely affect many organisms, including humans, due to their small size and persistence [ 5 ].…”

Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Emitted from Open Burning and Stove Burning of Biomass: A Brief Review

“…The report shows at least 40,000 premature deaths in Europe every year contributed by biomass combustion for residential space heating [ 30 ]. Therefore, although biomass fuel is a recommended carbon-neutral energy source during the energy transition period, the environmental and health effects caused by PAHs emitted from biomass burning cannot be ignored [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Apart from human activities, biomass burning also occurs naturally, such as forest and grassland fires caused by intensified global warming.…”