Spatial and seasonal trends of atmospheric PCBs in urban areas captured by passive sampling

摘要: The overall hypothesis of this research is that the use passive samplers an effective method to measure spatial and seasonal trends atmospheric PCBs in urban environment. In support this, I extracted, analyzed quantified congener specific concentrations from over 200 samples active sampler, or Hi-Vols. studied best practices for methods derive R-values application on mass accumulated both indoor outdoor air found uptake was consistent time at different locations. suggest depuration compounds be used sampling when using most accurate measurement volume. then applied these deployed two major cities along Great Lakes, Cleveland Chicago. had as well profiles. compared toxicological equivalencies (TEQ) WHO dioxin-like between discovered although higher total PCB concentrations, it a lower TEQ. distributions temporal Hi-Vols were collecting Hi-vols, identifying hot-spots Finally, developed instrumental identify quantify OH-PCBs environmental future involving fate PCBs. Abstract Approved: ____________________________________ Thesis Supervisor Title Department DateApproved: Date SPATIAL AND SEASONAL TRENDS OF ATMOSPHERIC PCBS IN URBAN AREAS CAPTURED BY PASSIVE SAMPLING by Carolyn Lee Persoon A thesis submitted partial fulfillment requirements Doctor Philosophy degree Civil Environmental Engineering Graduate College University Iowa