Identification of sites with elevated PM levels along an urban cycle path using a mobile platform and the analysis of 48 particle bound PAH

Fuchte HE, Paas B, Auer F, Bayer V J, Achten C, Schäffer A, Smith K EC

Abstract

Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study provides insight into everyday exposure scenarios of urbancommuters to aerosol particles and their associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It combines highspatiotemporal resolution particle measurements, used to determine the distribution of particulate matter in theurban environment, with the chemical analysis of the health-relevant particle fraction (< 2.5 μm) at higherpolluted sites. In September 2019, multiple test rides were conducted using a mobile platform along an urbancycle path in Aachen, Germany. With this, particle number and mass concentrations were recorded. Based on thisdata, five sites with elevated levels of particulate matter concentrations were identified. At these locations, theairborne respirable particles (PM2.5) were collected using a high-volume sampler. These were then quantified foran extended set of PAH and alkylated PAH by GC-MS. The alkylated distribution pattern of PAH in the samples allexhibited a typical pyrogenic pattern. A more detailed assessment of toxicity was possible because PAH such asdibenzo[a,l]pyrene or 7H-benzo[c]fluorene could be taken into account. The non-EPA PAH contributed up to 81% to the total toxicity of the particles expressed in toxic equivalents. The measurement of an extended set ofPAH was beneficial and is highly recommended for future studies.