ARCTIC VOL. 33. NO. 2 (JUNE 1980). P. 316-325 Atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: An Aspect of Air Pollution in

• Main Authors: Paul B. Reichardt, Susan, K. Reidy
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arctic; Canada; Fairbanks; Alaska
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.123.4095; http://pubs.aina.ucalgary.ca/arctic/arctic33-2-316.pdf

ABSTRACT. Quantitative analysis of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in Fairbanks, Alaska revealed significant levels of representative components. A fairly constant PAH pattern was observed throughout the winter of 1976-77, and the absolute PAH level correlated with air stagnation. Consideration of relative levels of individual PAH components reveals vehicular emissions as the major source but also provides evidence for contributions from power plant emissions. Fairbanks ’ PAH levels approach those of major cities in more moderate climates, and this situation emphasizes the importance of air quality problems in development of the Arctic. RÉSUMÉ. A Fairbanks en Alaska, suivant des analyses quantitatives d’hydrocarbures aromatiques polycliques dans I’atmosphere, des teneurs significatives de composts representatifs, etaient atteintes preques constamment pendant l’hiver 1976- 1977. Le teneur PAH absolue correspondait B une air stagnant. L’examen des teneurs relatives de cornposes PAH, pris individuellement, indique que les emissions par tchappement des voitures sont la source principale mais qu’aussi certainement il y a eu une part d’ernission, provenant de lacentrale electrique. Les teneurs PAH en B Fairbanks approchent celles des grandes cites sous des climats plus temperts; cette constatation attire l’attention sur l’importance des problemes de qualite de l’air, lies il la mise en exploitation de l’Arctique. Traduit par Alain de Vendegies Aquitaine Co. of Canada.