Determination of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric particulate samples of A Coruna city (Spain)

The hydrocarbon composition of atmospheric particulate matter from A Coruna city (Northwest Spain) has been studied. TSP (total suspended particulate) and PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 mum) samples were taken over 7 and 4 months at two stations located in residential and industrial sectors of A Coruna city, respectively. The levels of hydrocarbons found in atmospheric particulate samples of A Coruna city are higher than the ones found in other cities over the world. Ratios between the analysed compounds and their sources were established. Both anthropogenic and biogenic origins were found.