M. Jang, S. McDow
Oct 1, 1995
Citations
0
Influential Citations
48
Citations
Journal
Environmental science & technology
Abstract
Benz[a]anthracene photodegradation rates in toluene solutions containing co-solutes were compared using a photochemical turntable reactor. Each co-solute investigated was found at relatively high concentrations in atmospheric particulate matter. Benz-[a]anthracene photodegradation was accelerated by the presence of 9,10-anthraquinone, xanthone, 2-furaldehyde, 2,4-dimethylbenzaldehyde, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, 2-acetylfuran, and furfuryl alcohol. Decay was inhibited by 7-benzanthrone. Other compounds had little or no effect on benz[a]-anthracene decay. Possible photochemical reaction mechanisms are discussed, and it is concluded that several competing mechanisms may be responsible, including electronic energytransferfollowed by reaction from the triplet state, singlet oxygen attack, and radical chain reactions initiated by hydrogen abstraction of aerosol constituents. The results suggest that particle organic composition can strongly influence polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon photodegradation rates in atmospheric aerosols.