Atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: An Aspect of Air Pollution in Fairbanks, Alaska

• Published in: ARCTIC
• Main Authors: Reichardt, Paul B., Reidy, Susan K.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1980
• Subjects: Air pollution; Air quality; Electric power; Environmental impacts; PAHs; Vehicles; Winter ecology; Fairbanks; Alaska; Arctic
• Online Access: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/65616

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.