Seasonal variation, source identification, and health risk assessment of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Ulsan, South Korea

• DOI: 10.1007/s44273-024-00032-1
• Publication Date: 2024-04-16T15:21:39Z
• Authors: Na Ra Youn; Sang-Jin Lee; Tuyet Nam Thi Nguyen; Ho-Young Lee; Hye Kyung Cho; Chang-Keun Song; Sung-Deuk Choi
• Keywords: Seasonality

Abstract Gaseous and particulate 21 PAHs were monitored at a residential site in Ulsan, South Korea, over three seasons (December 2013–August 2014). The mean concentrations of Σ highest winter (16.2 ± 8.2 ng/m 3 ), followed by spring (8.37 4.53 ) summer (6.23 2.53 ). gaseous concentration (7.39 4.39 was 2.7 times higher than that (2.70 3.38 To identify the sources (both types their areas), diagnostic ratios, principal component analysis, concentration-weighted trajectory (CWT) used. results showed pyrogenic (e.g., coal combustion) primary emission spring. In summer, influence both heavy oil combustion dominant, suggesting could be transported from industrial areas Ulsan petrochemical nonferrous complexes) seasonal winds. Regarding source areas, CWT analysis revealed spring, attributed to emissions regional e.g., China North Korea. PAH also used assess health risks associated with inhalation these compounds for adults aged 18–70. cancer 19 13 did not exceed guideline set US EPA (10 −6 indicating no this target group. However, it is worth noting certain PAHs, which are listed as priority EPA, make significant contributions benzo[a]pyrene equivalent risks. Therefore, necessary investigate only but other species fully evaluate effect on human health.