Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other semi-volatile organic compounds collected in New York City in response to the events of 9/11

Concentrations of over 60 non-polar semi-volatile and non-VOC were measured in Lower Manhattan, NY, using a high capacity integrated organic gas and particle sampler, after the initial destruction of the World Trade Center. The remaining air plumes from the disaster site were comprised of many pollutants and classes and represented a complex mixture of biogenic and anthropogenic sources. The molecular markers for these emissions include the high molecular weight PAH, the n-alkanes, a carbon preference index ∼ 1, and pristane and phytane as specific markers for fuel oil degradation. The sources were anthropogenic and most likely coming from the large number of diesel generators and outsized vehicles used in the removal phases.

Duke Scholars

Author Daniel Vallero Civil and Environmental Engineering