Work

Sources, seasonal trends and urban exposure to airborne particulate matter-bound pollutants

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Size-fractionated airborne particulate matter was collected over 1 year (2023–2024) at five urban pedestrian and cycling locations in Slovenia. PM 10 , PM 2.5 , PM 0.1 were collected using a low-volume sampler with polytetrafluoroethylene filters, and PM <0.1 fraction was retained in ultrapure-water. Metal(loid)s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined to assess the potential health and environmental risks. Metal(loid) concentrations were the highest in PM 10 , with most elevated levels of Zn (7 ng m −3 ), Ba (4.5 ng m −3 ), Cu (2.8 ng m −3 ) and Cr (1.5 ng m −3 ). Significant enrichment in PM <0.1 was observed for Ba, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, with Ce-normalised values indicating a strong anthropogenic contribution. Tailpipe tracers were dominant in (ultra)fine PM fractions, while non-exhaust emission markers (Ba, Cu, Zn) strongly correlated with Ce and La in PM 10 . Among PAHs, BbF (0.05 ng m −3 ), BghiP and IP (0.04 ng m −3 ) exhibited the highest concentrations. BaP, BghiP and IP were enriched in ultra-fine particles, indicating fresh vehicular combustion emissions. Peak pollutant concentrations occurred during the heating period (HP) and in densely populated, high-traffic cities. Source apportionment revealed a dominance of pyrogenic sources, including: (i) vehicular exhaust emissions from diesel engines (5–6-ring PAHs, Ni, V and Pb), (ii) resuspended mineral dust and non-exhaust traffic particles (Ba, Cu, Zn), and (iii) coal and biomass combustion during HP (4-ring PAHs, Co, Mo, Tl). Incremental lifetime cancer risk for As (2 × 10 −7 ), Co (1 × 10 −6 ) and Cr (6 × 10 −6 ) was minimal. Hazard quotient values were below 1. Children cycling during HP experienced the highest exposure levels. The European PM 10 limit values for As (6 ng m −3 ), Cd (5 ng m −3 ), Pb (500 ng m −3 ), Ni (20 ng m −3 ) and BaP (1 ng m −3 ) were not exceeded.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-48692-z

Authors: Anja Ilenič, Radmila Milačič Ščančar, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Nina Zupančič, Marija Đurić, Janez Ščančar