Determination of atmospheric pahs concentration by using honeybee and passive air sampler

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the factors that has a significant impact on human health, especially in many developing countries. In this study, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels and cancer risk caused by inhalation were determined in an urban (Ovaakca) and a semi-urban (Cumalikizik) sites in Bursa, Turkey's 4th largest city. In this context, this research was carried out between May 2017-September 2017 (beekeeping period), with passive air sampling and honeybee media. Sampling was carried out in two weeks intervals during the beekeeping period. The mean Σ14PAH concentration values, obtained by polyurethane foam (PUF) disk media during the sampling period, was 198.62±24.93 ng m-3 in the Ovaakca site, while in the Cumalikizik site was 445.47 ± 59.21 ng m-3. The lowest PAH concentration in PUF disc media was measured in Ovaakca region, and the highest concentration was measured in Cumalikizik region in June. Similarly, the total Σ13PAH concentration obtained in the honeybee media during the sampling period was 380.87 ± 115.33 ng g-1 dw for the Ovaakca sampling site, and 217.96±30.10 ng g-1 dw for the Cumalikizik sampling site. The highest concentration level in the honey bee media in the Ovaakca region and the lowest concentration level in Cumalikizik site were measured in September. Inhalation cancer risk was determined for adults (70 years) using PUF disc media concentration values. It is seen that the Cumalikizik site located next to the picnic area had a higher risk of cancer. Both compounds, Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) are the most common species used to determine cancer risk.