Size distribution and sorption of polychlorinated biphenyls during haze episodes - Liang Yong

There is a lack of studies on the size distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during haze days, and their sorption mechanisms on aerosol particles remain unclear. In this study, PCBs in particle-sized aerosols from urban atmospheres of Beijing, China were investigated during haze and normal days. The concentrations, gas/particle partitioning, size distribution, and associated human daily intake of PCBs via inhalation were compared during haze days and normal days. Compared with normal days, higher particle mass-associated PCB levels were measured during haze days. The concentrations of ∑PCBs in particulate fractions were 11.9–134 pg/m3 and 6.37–14.9 pg/m3 during haze days and normal days, respectively. PCBs increased with decreasing particle size (>10 μm, 10–2.5 μm, 2.5–1.0 μm, and ≤1.0 μm). During haze days, PCBs were overwhelmingly associated with a fine particle fraction of ≤1 …