Jf. Muller et al., POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS IN THE ATMOSPHERIC-ENVIRONMENT OF BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, Chemosphere (Oxford), 37(7), 1998, pp. 1369-1383
Atmospheric concentrations of PAHs were determined in air samples coll
ected at various sites in Brisbane, Australia. Results for a given air
sample are presented as the sum of the vapour and particle associated
fraction of the compounds. PAH concentrations were highest at sites l
ocated in the vicinity of major roads. At a site located adjacent to a
major road with a high frequency of heavy vehicle traffic, levels of
B(a)P exceeded 1 ng m(-3) air. Overall, traffic was found to be the do
minant source for PAHs in Brisbane air. The results further indicated
the existence of seasonal variations with highest levels in winter. Th
e use of PAH profiles and ratios for identifying sources and processes
is discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.