Potential source contributions and risk assessment of particulate-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in size-fractionated road-deposited sediments

This study showcases the source apportionment of particulate-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (p-PAHs) with regard to particle size distribution in road-deposited sediment. The principal component analysis with a multiple linear regression receptor model was employed in PAHs quantitative source apportionment. Results show that two major contributors to sorption at the size fraction of 1000–400 μm were tentatively identified as vehicle emission (63.3%) and wood combustion (36.7%). Three major contributors to the size fraction of 400–100 μm were identified as coal combustion (65.4%), crankcase oil/vehicle emission (25.5%), and coal tar (9.1%). Three major contributors to the size fraction of 100–63 μm were identified as tire debris (67.3%), crankcase oil (15.0%), and coal tar (17.6%). The potential contributors in the size fraction 63–0.45 μm were identified as multiple sources (87.9%) and atmospheric deposition (12.1%). In addition, the highest ∑₁₆PAHs concentration was found in the smallest size fraction of 63–0.45 μm, where the highest BaPE and TEF values also occurred.