Gas-particle concentration and distribution of n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmosphere of Prato (Italy)

Air samples were collected in an urban and industrialised area of Prato (Italy) during 2002, as part of a study to identify and measure aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons ranged between 170 and 282 ng m3 in the gas phase and from 48.9 to 276 ng m3 in the particulate phase. The average total PAH oncentrations (gas + particulate) were 59.4 ± 26.5 ng m3, and both gas and particulate phase PAH concentrations decreased with increasing temperature. Source identification using diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis identified automobile traffic, in particular, the strong influence of diesel fuel burning, as the major PAH source. Gas-particle partition coefficients (Kp’s) of n-alkane and PAHs were well correlated with the sub-cooled liquid vapour pressure P0L and indicate stronger sorption of PAHs to aerosol particles compared with -alkanes.