Spatial and temporal variation of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in atmospheric PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) and the influence of ambient temperature in Tianjin, China

摘要

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are produced in large amounts throughout the world and are excessively used in various industries, which have posed a serious threat to human health and the environment. An investigation of six major PAEs congeners in atmospheric PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) was synchronously conducted at seven sites belonging to different functional zones in spring, summer and winter in Tianjin, China in 2010. Results showed that the average concentrations of DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP and DOP in PM_(10)were 0.88, 0.73,12.90, 0.15, 98.29 and 0.83 ng m~(-3), respectively, and in PM_(2.5), they were 0.54, 0.30, 8.72, 0.08, 75.68 and 0.33 ng m~(-3), respectively. DEHP and DBP were the predominant species. The industrial site exhibited highest PAEs values as 135.9 ± 202.8 ng m~(-3). In winter, the detected percentages for DOP were low. The other five PAEs concentrations were higher in winter than those in spring and summer, which may be related to the influence of emission sources, meteorological parameters and the chemical-physical characteristic of themselves. Except for DOP, other PAEs were negatively correlated with ambient temperature and the relationships were the best fitted as exponential forms. Significant positive correlations were found for PAEs in PM_(2.5) and PM_(10), indicating common sources. The PM_(2.5)/PM_(10) ratios (0.53-0.70) for the six PAEs concentrations suggested that they were preferentially concentrated in finer particles. Principal component analysis indicated the emission from cosmetics and personal care products, plasticizers and sewage and industrial waste-water may be important sources for PAEs in atmospheric paniculate matter in Tianjin.