Seasonal and particle size-dependent variations in gas/particle partitioning of PCDD/Fs

Environ Pollut. 2008 May;153(1):215-22. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.07.026. Epub 2007 Sep 27.

Abstract

This study monitored particle size-dependent variations in atmospheric polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Two gas/particle partitioning models, the subcooled liquid vapor pressure (P(L)(0)) and the octanol-air partition coefficient (K(OA)) model, were applied to each particle sizes. The regression coefficients of each fraction against the gas/particle partition coefficient (K(P)) were similar for separated particles within the same sample set but differed for particles collected during different periods. Gas/particle partitioning calculated from the integral of fractions was similar to that of size-segregated particles and previously measured bulk values. Despite the different behaviors and production mechanisms of atmospheric particles of different sizes, PCDD/F partitioning of each size range was controlled by meteorological conditions such as atmospheric temperature, O(3) and UV, which reflects no source related with certain particle size ranges but mixed urban sources within this city. Our observations emphasize that when assessing environmental and health effects, the movement of PCDD/Fs in air should be considered in conjunction with particle size in addition to the bulk aerosol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air / analysis*
  • Air Movements
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / analysis*
  • Benzofurans / analysis*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Gases
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Ozone / chemistry
  • Particle Size
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / analysis
  • Seasons*
  • Temperature
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Benzofurans
  • Gases
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins
  • Ozone
  • dibenzofuran