Study on particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons over Bay of Bengal in winter season

Particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration was estimated during Integrated Campaign on Aerosol, Gases and Radiation Budget (ICARB-W) in winter (2008–2009) on board the Sagar Kanya over Bay of Bengal (BOB). The concentration of particulate PAH (Σ11 6.65±2.86ng/m3) over BOB ranged from 0.28ng/m3 to 1.15ng/m3. The concentration of middle and high molecular weight PAHs (4–6 rings), accounted for >50% of total PAHs. Analysis of photochemical oxidation using ratios of BaA/Chy and BaP/BbF suggested the fresh release of air masses from local sources or from the nearest coastal areas of BOB. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation between tPAHs, nss-K+, nss-SO42−, NO3−, organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) suggested that motor vehicle emission, biomass burning and coal combustion may be the possible principal sources of PAHs over BOB during the study period. •Particulate PAH concentration was measured for the first time over Bay of Bengal (BOB).•Regional source studies establish the continental influence over northern and eastern BOB.•Principal component analysis indicates the impact of anthropogenic sources over BOB.