PM₁₀ composition was studied in a petrochemical-influenced industrial area of central Spain, focusing on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitro-PAHs (NPAHs), oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) together with their seasonal variability. Median PM₁₀ concentrations remained below the legal limit but exceeded the WHO guideline. Short-term exceedances were linked to episodic Saharan dust intrusions. Air-mass trajectory analysis showed that most PM₁₀ came from the city center, while winter peaks were associated with air masses from the nearby petrochemical complex, indicating combined industrial and natural contributions. The median concentration of ∑27PACs (Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds) was 1.69 ng m⁻³, with higher levels in winter. Benzobfluoranthene, Benzoghiperylene, Indeno1,2,3-cdpyrene, Benzoapyrene, Benzaanthracene and 1-Phenylnaphthalene were the dominant compounds. Seasonal patterns suggested higher combustion emissions in winter and greater photochemical degradation in summer. The lack of correlation between PACs and PM₁₀ indicates different sources, including Saharan dust and industrial emissions. Alkanes showed both anthropogenic and biogenic origins, C₁₇–C₂₈ were associated with fugitive emissions and unburned fuels, while > C₂₈ alkanes mainly biogenic. Temperature, solar radiation, and ozone, significantly influenced PAC and AH concentrations. Health risk assessment estimated 30 excess cancer cases per million inhabitants over a 70-year lifetime from inhalation of PM₁₀-bound PACs. Although not indicating high risk, it underscores the need for continued monitoring and mitigation in complex industrial environments.
Lara et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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