Real-Time Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons associated with particles in high traffic flow roads of the Aburrá Valley Metropolitan Area (AMVA)

Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) associated with respirable particulate matter constitutes an important risk factor for health. These substances are produced mainly by combustion processes, which can be significant on high-traffic roads. The Aburrá Valley is declared an atmospheric basin contaminated by particulate matter as a consequence of topographic, meteorological, climatic, demographic and anthropogenic factors. Pollution peaks coincide with the hours of greatest displacement of the population In this context, the spatial evaluation of the PAH concentrations associated with particulate matter was proposed by means of a photoelectric aerosol sensor during short trips (<2 hours) in periods of high traffic flow (between 7:00 and 9:00 hrs.) from Medellín to Girardota (T1) and Caldas (T2) in an electric car equipped with a continuous PM2.5 particle analyzer and a global positioning system (GPS). The average PAH concentrations obtained were 742.6 and 698.2 ng.m-3 during T1 and T2, respectively, in contrast to the average 70.5 ng.m-3 measured within the municipal capital of Girardota. The concentrations of PAH and PM2.5 had the same trend, and significant correlations (r> 0.5) were established between them. Some areas of high PAH concentration that could be attributed to vehicular dynamics were identified through a geographic information system. The results show that road users under these high traffic flow conditions would be exposed to an average inhalation dose of PAH greater than 0.12 μg. Kg-1. day which reveals the need to implement immediate management tools for the monitoring of these substances.