Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the urban air of Delhi during 2003.
Atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Delhi were evaluated to study particulate PAHs profiles during the different seasons of 2003. Samples of urban suspended particulate matter were collected during January 2003 to December 2003 at three locations (Okhla, Dhaulakuan and Daryaganj), using a high volume sampler provided with glass fiber filters. Samples were analyzed using the gas chromatography technique. The annual average concentrations of total PAHs were found as 1,049.3 ng/m(3) at Okhla, 1,344.37 ng/m(3) at Daryaganj, and 1,117.14 ng/m(3) at Dhaulakuan. The seasonal average concentrations were found to be maximum in winter and minimum during the monsoon season. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the data was also carried out and the results indicate that diesel and gasoline driven vehicles are the principal sources of PAHs at all the three sites under investigation. Other sources might come from stationary combustion sources such as cooking fuel combustion and industrial emission.
Sharma
Homdutt
H
Department of Physics, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110 025, India.
Jain
V K
VK
Khan
Zahid H
ZH
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002947:Cities; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007194:India; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D012621:Seasons
D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons