Solvent extracted organic matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons distributed in size-segregated airborne particles in a zone of México City: Seasonal behavior and human exposure

Airborne particulate mass was collected in a cascade impactor, and the mass concentration of solvent extracted organic matter (SEOM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined. A greater mass concentration of particles, SEOM and PAH were obtained in the dry season than in the rainy season for all impact stages; however, in the rainy season the proportion of SEOM/particles mass increased for all stages. There was an average decrease in particle mass concentration of 52.1 ± 6.7%, a 33.6 ± 12.3% decrease in SEOM and a 43.9 ± 16.9% decrease in heavy PAH (≥228 g mol−1) in the rainy season. Heavy PAH were distributed in fine particles, while light PAH were more abundant in coarse particles. Estimations of SEOM and PAH inhaled daily by a person were made. Considering the carcinogenic PAH median mass (10th–90th percentiles) in 20 m3 of air, and the sum of all stages that could be inhaled daily by a person, estimates of 137 ng day−1 (74–246) in the dry season and 57 ng day−1 (21–101) in the rainy season were determined. The toxic equivalent factors were calculated to more accurately characterize the carcinogenic properties of PAH mixtures. This was based on the contribution of the carcinogenic potency of benzo[a]pyrene. These estimations would need to be considered in establishing standards for Mexican air quality. Correlations were shown between other atmospheric pollutants and masses of particles, SEOM and PAH. Vehicles were suggested as an emission source for SEOM and PAH.