Articles | Volume 22, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1495-2022
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1495-2022
Research article
 | 
31 Jan 2022
Research article |  | 31 Jan 2022

Single-particle characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in background air in northern Europe

Johannes Passig, Julian Schade, Robert Irsig, Thomas Kröger-Badge, Hendryk Czech, Thomas Adam, Henrik Fallgren, Jana Moldanova, Martin Sklorz, Thorsten Streibel, and Ralf Zimmermann

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Subject: Aerosols | Research Activity: Field Measurements | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Chemistry (chemical composition and reactions)
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Cited articles

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Short summary
The single-particle distribution of health-relevant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was studied at the Swedish coast in autumn. We found PAHs bound to long-range transported particles from eastern and central Europe and also from ship emissions and local sources. This is the first field study using a new technology revealing single-particle data from both inorganic components and PAHs. We discuss PAH profiles that are indicative of several sources and atmospheric aging processes.
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