Use of the PAH fingerprints for identifying pollution sources

Molecular signatures are investigated since long time for source assessment; characteristic behaviours are sought both in emission and aerosol composition. In this study, particulates released by stationary and vehicle sources were characterised for PAH contents by using similar top-to-bottom procedures. Group fingerprints and concentration ratios between pairs of compounds were investigated. The approach based on diagnostic ratios was applied to the study-cases of cities lying in Northern, Central and Southern Italy, and of localities in the Rome province, exposed to emission sources of different strength and nature. The results were compared with those observed in the Mediterranean Sea Region. In general, vehicles were confirmed as the principal source of PAHs, while minor and season dependent contributions could be associated to wood burning and soil resuspension. Original molecular signatures identified felt promising in the perspective of the PAH source reconciliation. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.