Trends of EOM, B(a)P, sulfates, and nitrates in air-borne particulate matter in eleven proximate locations in New Jersey during 1988

Air-borne particulate matter was collected at eleven proximate locations in New Jersey during the year 1988. Particulate matter was extracted in cyclohexane and acetone to separate non-polar and polar components. Particulate matter was also analyzed for B(a)P, Sulfates and Nitrates.This report presents the inter-site and intra-site variation of concentrations of pollutants between summer and winter seasons. Levels of B(a)P varied from 0.12 to 0.03 ng/M3 between urban and rural sites. During winter, B(a)P concentrations were 5 times more than summer. Concentrations of Cyc which represent mostly primary pollutants, were found 3 times lower in rural sites. Ace fractions were higher during peak summer months due to the occasional photochemical smogs. Sulfates are relatively stable at all the locations. Nitrate concentrations went down in warmer months due to photochemical breakdown.Interrelationships between inhalable particulate matter (IP10) and total suspended particulate matter(TSP) were also studied. From these studies it was found that, in general, organics were settling down heavily on larger air-borne particles.Mutagenicity of particulate matter was estimated to be higher during summer.