Fine particulate phase PAHs in ambient atmosphere of Chennai metropolitan city, India

Background Airborne fine particulates (PM 2.5) and its associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are reportedly hazardous in urban environment due to the presence of multiple emission sources. Methods In this study, fine particulates collected from fourth largest metropolitan city of India, Chennai, were extracted and analyzed for 11 PAHs by high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a fluorescence detector. Results PM 2.5 values varied between 27.2 and 190.2 mu g/m(3), while average concentration of particle-associated PAHs determined was in the range from 325.7 to 790.8 ng/m(3), which signaled an alarming pollution level in Chennai. Conclusions Factor analysis suggested vehicular emissions inclusive of petrol- and diesel-driven engines as probable sources.