Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organic molecular tracer compounds in dusts samples from schools in Puchuncavi and Quintero (Chile)

Abstract

This investigation was conducted in order to gain first insight into concentrations, distribution patterns and potential sources of 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic molecular tracer compounds in dust samples collected in the Valparaiso region, Chile. Dust was sampled in schools (indoor and outdoor) that are ubicated in Puchuncavi (Greda, Greda los Alerces, Chocota,and Basica Horcon) and Quintero ( Liceo Politecnico, Inglès Quintero, Faro, Santa Filomena). Source apportionment analysis using the concentrations of PAHs; glucose, mannitol, sucrose, fructose; di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate; hopanes, and levoglucosan as molecular tracer compounds showed four sources of contribution; the first related to combustion, a source represented to traffic, a third source dominated for soil + plastic, and a source of biomass burning. Outdoor traffic emissions and combustion were the main pollution sources in the outdoor as well as indoor ambient air of the schools, while soil + plastic were an important indoor source.