Authors:
Ashraf A. Zahran*, Alaa R. Mostafa
, Nermine M. Foda
, Mohamed Y. Omar
and Maram O. Nadry ,Egypt |
Abstract:
In this study, two receptor models [factor analysis/multiple linear regression (FA/MLR) and
positive matrix factorization (PMF)] were applied seasonally to investigate the source
apportionment of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmospheric environment of
Alexandria, and a lifetime cancer risk was assessed. ?35(particle) PAHs concentrations varied
from 343.68 ng/m3 to 7847.9 ng/m3 in summer, from 532.68 ng/m3 to 1942.4 ng/m3 in Autumn,
from 317.17 ng/m3 to 4433.25 ng/m3 in Winter and from 551.7 ng/m3 to 2987 ng/m3 in spring.
PAH concentrations at the industrial sites were significantly higher than at the traffic and
residential sites during the winter season (p < 0.001). Summer PAH concentrations were
significantly higher than the winter season at the traffic sites (p = 0.027). Results obtained from
the two receptor models were comparable. Vehicle emissions and combustion are the main
sources of pollution. Overall, PMF afforded better source identification than did FA/MLR. The
lifetime cancer risk assessment showed that incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) were
greater than the acceptable level of 10_6 through dermal and ingestion routes at all the
investigated sites and through the inhalation route at the industrial and traffic sites only. So, the
government should focus its attention and regulations on corrective actions to protect the public
against the hazards of air pollution |
