Author(s)

L.G. Ruiz-Suarez, O. Amador-Munoz, J.M. Hernandez-Solis, M. Montero, G.L. Andraca-Ayala, Z. Munive-Colm & R. Villalobos- Pietrini

Abstract

Low volume samplers were used to capture PM2.5 suspended particles during relatively short sampling periods in two sites of Mexico City. One urban and one rural downwind. Some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were identified and quantified. Aggregated daily averages of the identified PAH reached 80 ng/nf. These values are higher than those found in other places. Also presence of two ring PAH was also confirmed, against common wisdom about PAH in suspended particles under meteorological conditions similar to those in Mexico City,. The hypothesis that these two fact s may be due to particular physicochemical properties of Mexico City aerosol is put forward.

Keywords