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 μg/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.