Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and synthetic musk compounds with Masson pine (Pinus massoniana L.) needles in Shanghai, China

Abstract Twenty-six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and four synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) accumulated by Masson pine needles from different areas of Shanghai were investigated in the present study. Concentrations of Σ 26 PAHs (sum of 26 PAHs) ranged from 234 × 10 −3 to 5370 × 10 −3  mg kg −1 . Levels of Σ 26 PAHs in different sampling areas followed the order: urban areas (Puxi and Pudong) > suburbs > Chongming. Total concentrations of 16 USEPA priority PAHs ranged from 225 × 10 −3 to 5180 × 10 −3  mg kg −1 , ranking at a relatively high level compared to other regions around the world. Factor analysis and multi-linear regression model has identified six sources of PAHs with relative contributions of 15.1% for F1 (vehicle emissions), 47.8% for F2 (natural gas and biomass combustion), 7.8% for F3 (oil), 10.6% for F4 (coal combustion), 15.7% for F5 (“anthracene” source) and 3.0% for F6 (coke tar). Total concentrations of 4 SMCs varied between 0.071 × 10 −3 and 2.72 × 10 −3  mg kg −1 in pine needles from Shanghai. SMCs with the highest detected frequency were Galaxolide and musk xylene, followed by musk ketone and Tonalide. The highest level of SMCs was found near industrial park and daily chemical plant. The results obtained from this study may have important reference value for local government in the control of atmospheric organic pollution.