The differences of the size distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) between urban and rural sites of Guangzhou, China

Size distribution aerosol samples collected at two urban locations (Liwan and Wushan) and a suburban location (Xinken) in Guangzhou (South China) in autumn using a MOUDI (Micro-orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor) have been analyzed for 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by gas chromatography with mass selective detection (GC-MS). Different PAH size distribution models were found for urban locations and a suburban location. The particle size distributions of PAHs tend to shift toward a larger size in a suburban location than in an urban location caused by aerosol aging processes. The ratios of total-PAH/TSP changed greatly during different sampling periods, even though the samplings were conducted consecutively. This can be the result of reactions between PAHs and atmospheric photooxidants, and the formation of SOAs (secondary organic aerosols) during the aging process. Adsorption behavior on available aerosol surface area, absorption behavior in available aerosol organic mass and multilayer adsorptive accumulation in coarse mode aerosols were the three mechanisms which control the size distribution of PAHs.