Investigating of primary components and source apportionment of persistent organic pollutants of indoor dust

A number of studies have pointed out the occurrence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in indoor dust from different commercial and residential settings, but limited studies exist on the apportionment of their potential sources. This study aims to determine the levels and apportion of possible sources of 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and also 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are the most abundant POPs found in indoor dusts. A total of 90 indoor dust samples were collected from the homes located in different districts of Kocaeli, Turkey, between February and April, 2016. The total concentrations of PBDEs (sigma 14PBDEs) were measured in the range of 11.74 ng g(-1)and 2484 ng g(-1)with a median value of 207.4 ng g(-1), while the concentration of sigma(16)PAHs was between 21.6 and 11274 ng g(-1), and the median value was 927.6 ng g(-1). Possible sources of PAHs and PBDEs indoors were extracted with the EPA Positive Matrix Factorization 5 model and identified with the information gathered from both the applied questionnaires and literature. Coal/biomass combustion was found to be highest contributor to measured PAHs while the emission of commercial penta-BDE was the main source of PBDEs indoor dust in Kocaeli. The findings from this study obviously indicate the mitigation of these main sources can be effective in improving the indoor air quality.

Automated summary

This study investigated PBDEs and PAHs in indoor dust from homes in Kocaeli, Turkey, and identified their potential sources. The results showed that coal/biomass combustion was the main source of indoor PAHs, while commercial penta-BDE emissions were the main source of PBDEs. Mitigating these main sources could effectively improve indoor air quality.