Characteristics of Organic Compounds in PM2.5 at Seosan: Comparison of Organic Compounds in PM2.5 at Seoul

Abstract

Objectives : In this study, we analyzed 56 individual organic compounds in PM2.5 in Seosan, where the large complex emission sources are closely located, to characterize organic compounds distributions in this site.Methods : The sampling of PM2.5 in Seoul was also simultaneously carried out to compare the concentrations and distributions of organic compounds in PM2.5 measured in Seosan.Results and Discussion : The overall concentration of organic compounds (OCs) in Seosan was 383±165 ng/m3 , which was twice as high as the concentration in Seoul (189±67 ng/m3 ). PAHs and levoglucosan concentrations were higher in Seosan than in Seoul, attributing mostly to emissions from fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning. The ratio of Levoglucosan/Mannosan(Levo/Manno) and Levo/K+ plot showed that the type of biomass in the biomass burning at two areas might be different. In addition, the concentrations of 1,3,5-triphenylbenzne and tere-phthalic acid, which are indicators of plastic burning, in Seosan were 2~9 times higher than Seoul, respectively.Conclusion : It suggests that open burning of solid fuels such as biomass and plastic garbage was a key contributor to rising organic aerosol concentrations in Seosan.