Toxic emissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons [Py and B(k)F] in ambient air due to CRB activities at rural and commercial locations in Patiala, India

Abstract Ambient aerosols (SPM) sampled during erratic burnings of food crop residues that is Oryza sativa (Wheat) and Triticum aestivum (Rice) in Patiala were analyzed to estimate the influence of these practices in the increment of PAH in atmosphere. Pyrene (C16H10) and Benzo(k)fluoranthene (C20H12) were identified and quantified in most of the samples. The levels of Pyrene varied between 0.25 ppm and 0.58 ppm while that of Benzo(k)fluoranthene varied between 4.03 ppm and 41.33 ppm. The highest levels of PAHs were obtained in October and November. The monthly aerosol levels ranged from 100 µgm-3 to a value of 593 µgm-3 during burning period. High PAH levels during burning events clearly indicate the contribution of burning practices. Wheat and rice crop residue burnings were recognized as the processes resulting in the emission of PAHs from incomplete combustion of source organic matter. The trends of particulate pollution and associated ambient PAH levels during NCRB and CRB months have been discussed in the paper