Characterization And Quantification Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM10 &PM2.5)

Air pollution has significant effect on exacerbation of asthma, allergy and other respiratory diseases. Particulate matter less than 10µm in size can pass through natural protective mechanism of human respiratory system and plays an important role in genesis and augmentation of allergic disorders. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous by products of incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of carbonaceous and organic matter (e.g., tobacco, coal, charcoal, diesel, gas, and wood). PAHs are hydrocarbons with two or more fused aromatic rings and there are several hundreds of these compounds. Airborne particles of organic origin contribute significantly to the total particle burden in the atmosphere, either directly or indirectly by burning of biomass and soil re-suspension. In present study PM10 samples were collected using high volume APM 460 NL sampler. Whereas, APM 550 MFC sampler was used for PM2.5 sample collection. All the samples were collected for 24 hr sampling time at Mumbai city . Analysis of 16 USEPA priority PAHs was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with photo diode array (PDA) detector. PM10 and PM2.5 with associated PAHs concentrations were compared for annually average. The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations for 24 hr sampling time were found to be within limit stipulated by National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for most of the samples.