Levels, potential sources and human health risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particulate matter (PM10) in Kumasi, Ghana

摘要: Airborne particulate samples were collected on quartz filters to determine the concentrations, sources and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air Kumasi, Ghana. A total 32 Kwame Nkrumah University Science Technology (KNUST) campus (pristine site) city centre (CC). Samples extracted with 1:2 v/v acetone/hexane mixture prior GC–MS analyses. The sum concentrations 17 PAHs ranged from 0.51 16 19–38 ng/m3 concentration benzo[a]pyrene, BaP, below detection limit 0.08 1.6 5.6 Chemical mass balance model showed that Kumasi mainly fuel combustion. BaP equivalent (BaPeq) CC was 18 times higher compared KNUST; based European Legislation Swedish UK Standards for air, could be classified as highly polluted. Estimated carcinogenicity terms BaPeq indicated principal PAH contributor (70 %). Health risk adults children associated inhalation assessed by taking into account lifetime average daily dose corresponding incremental cancer (ILCR). ILCR within acceptable range (10−6 10−4), indicating low residents.