Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon Composition of the Atmosphere in Some Large American Cities

Abstract

The air of 14 American cities was examined for the following poly cyclic hydrocarbons: pyrene, benzo [a] pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, benzo [k] fluoranthene, perylene, benzo [g, h, i]perylene, anthanthrene and coronene. Usually, fluoranthene, chrysene, and benz[a]anthracene were also found in ambient air samples. In all urban samples the concentration of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was generally greater in winter than in summer. The ratios of benzo[a]pyrene to benzo-[g, h, i]perylene and to coronene are introduced as possible indicators of air pollution due to automobile exhaust fumes or coal combustion pollution.