Chemical and photochemical degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmosphere

Federico Valerio, Patrizia Bottino, Donatella Ugolini, Maria Roberta Cimberle, Giulio Andrea Tozzi, Alberto Frigerio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Results of studies on chemical and photochemical transformations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are reviewed. Various parameters may modify the kinetics of these reactions, such as light intensity, concentration of gaseous pollutants (NOx, SOx, O3), chemico-physical characteristics of particulates or substrates into which the PAH are adsorbed. Depending on these variables, the half-life of BaP varies from 10 to 104 300 min. The possibility of artefact formation during sampling is discussed. The necessity of clarifying mechanisms for these phenomena, in order to correctly evaluate the risks for exposed populations, is emphasized.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-188
Number of pages20
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume40
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1984

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Science(all)
  • Environmental Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Chemical and photochemical degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmosphere'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this