Benzo(a)Pyrene in PM10 - Air Monitoring Results in Poland

Abstract

Abstract Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is an extremely toxic substance from the group of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). These compounds are formed mainly during combustion processes, and they are transported on the surfaces of suspended aerosol in the air. In Poland, both the concentration of suspended dusts and the amount of B(a)P are among the highest in Europe. The aim of the research was to compare levels of B(a)P concentrations in various locations in Poland. Based on multi-year data, coming from the period 2009-2019, linear trends in changes of these levels were determined with the least squares method. The annual courses of B(a)P concentrations in the air show clear seasonal variations. The highest concentrations are observed in the autumn-winter months, the lowest in the spring-summer months. The annual courses of B(a)P/PM10 ratio show clear seasonal variations. This ratio allows to evaluate the content of B(a)P in PM10 particles, expressed in ngB(a)P/μgPM10. The highest ratio values are observed in the autumn-winter months, the lowest ones in the spring-summer months. At most air monitoring stations, the assigned B(a)P concentration trend lines show a weak decline.