Predicting spatio-temporal distribution of indoor multi-phase phthalates under the influence of particulate matter

Due to the complexity of phthalates spatial and temporal distribution in indoor environment, mechanistic that govern indoor phthalates concentrations and fates need to be explored. A dynamic partition model of phthalates considering the dynamic behavior and segmented emission of size-resolved particulate matter is developed to investigate the distribution of phthalates in the gas phase, airborne particles, and settled dust and on the fixed surface. The impacts of outdoor and indoor particle source on the multi-phase concentrations of phthalates are analyzed. Outdoor haze can suddenly increase indoor particle concentration and particle-phase concentration of Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). However, the haze decreases gas-phase and dust-phase concentration of DEHP. The particle emission rate S-p for cooking affects the maximum concentration of indoor particle, while cooking frequency has no effect on it. When cooking frequency increases, gas-phase concentration and particle-phase peak concentration of DEHP decreases significantly, which means the particulate matter may be a good carrier for DEHP removal. Increasing emission rate S-p of particles can significantly reduce the minimum gas-phase concentration of DEHP, nevertheless it can increase particle-phase maximum concentration of DEHP. Overall, the proposed model considering interactions of particle and phthalate can improve further understanding of phthalates' fate and transport in residential environment, which is beneficial to the implementation of control strategy.

Automated summary

A model considering the characteristics of particulate matter was developed to investigate the distribution and fate of phthalates in indoor environments. The study found that outdoor haze affects the concentration of indoor particles and DEHP, and the particle emission rate and frequency during cooking also affect the concentration of DEHP.