Modeling airborne benzo(a)pyrene concentrations in the Czech Republic

Zalel, A; Yuval; Svecova, V; Sram, RJ; Bartonova, A; Broday, DM

HERO ID

3011660

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2015

Language

English

HERO ID 3011660
In Press No
Year 2015
Title Modeling airborne benzo(a)pyrene concentrations in the Czech Republic
Authors Zalel, A; Yuval; Svecova, V; Sram, RJ; Bartonova, A; Broday, DM
Journal Atmospheric Environment
Volume 101
Page Numbers 166-176
Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are complex hazardous organic compounds that are introduced into the atmosphere as by-products of partial combustion processes. For common atmospheric conditions, the large molecular weight PAHs, such as benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P), are found in the particulate phase and are believed to account for a considerable amount of the fine particulate matter toxic potential. Nonetheless, unlike meteorological variables and criteria pollutants, PAHs are very rarely monitored on a routine basis in most parts of the world. We present methodology for development and evaluation of a model for estimation of daily and monthly ambient B[a]P concentrations. The model utilizes a very large ambient B[a]P database from three sites in the Czech Republic. The difficulties faced when dealing with ambient PAH data are discussed. Model performance was evaluated by a complete internal-, external-, and temporal cross validations. The models reproduced very accurately monthly mean ambient B[a]P concentrations and provided acceptable daily mean B[a]P, concentrations. Spatial extrapolations resulted in small deterioration of the models' performance. The temporal backward extrapolation revealed comparable errors to the spatial extrapolations in spite of the dramatic emissions reduction in the early years of the study period. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Doi 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2014.11.031
Wosid WOS:000348017000018
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Scopus URL: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84913553420&doi=10.1016%2fj.atmosenv.2014.11.031&partnerID=40&md5=41256f426ee3cf4303e1875b36c4b983
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword PAHs; B[a]P; Multivariate linear regression; Classification trees; Air pollution monitoring