Organic content of particulate matter in the atmosphere of ouargla city, algeria

摘要

The particle-bound orgnaic compounds comprising n-alkanes, n-alkanoic monocarboxylic acids, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAH) were investigated in ambient air of the ouargla city area (algeria) during a short campaign performed in november 1999. The distribution profile of n-alkanes was consistent with the petrogenic origin of aerosols, suggesting that they were related to torching processes of crude oil refuses int he petroleum extraction field located not far from ouargla. Instead, the presence of n-alkanoic acids of low molecular weight wa sindicative of microbial activity experiemnced by the site. PAH levels were low when compared to other polluted areas. The presence of 2-nitrofluoranthene and 2-nitropyrene, which can result from in-situ nitration of fluoranthene and pyrene, was concurrent with the substantial depletion of the mos treactive among PAH, suggesting that photochemical processes influence the composition of the saharian atmosphere.