Characterization of n-alkanes and PAHs in PM10 samples in Prato (Italy).

This study reports the characterization of n-alkanes and PAHs in 13 PM10 samples collected in the South area of Prato (Italy) during the period April-July 2002. n-Alkanes concentrations ranged between 9.45 and 182.64 ng/mc while PAHs concentrations ranged from 3.058 to 22.048 ng/mc. No correlation was evidenced between benzo(a)pirene and PM10 concentrations. Total carbonaceous aerosol was also measured and it meanly accounted for 21.5% of the PM10 mass ranging from 12.4% to 27.1%.