Source Apportionment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Vegetation Samples from the UK by Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios Measurement

Abstract

The ¹³C/¹²C isotopic ratios of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PHCs) for vegetation samples collected and preserved from contact with any other source(s) of PAHs except atmospheric, between the years 1914 and 1989 in the United Kingdom, were investigated. The purpose is to carry out PAHs source apportionment within the period. Isotopic compositions results obtained suggest that PAHs between 1914 sample originate predominantly from biomass combustion. However, isotopic compositions of vegetation samples studied for the years 1927 to 1975 showed variations corresponding to new PAHs inputs, suspected to originate from coal. Beyond 1975, PAHs sources increased, incorporating isotopic ratios consistent with emissions from transport fuel and related sources.

Keywords: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, vegetation, isotope ratios