Ambient Levels, Emission Sources and Health Effect of PM2.5-Bound Carbonaceous Particles and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

With increasing interest in understanding the contribution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) to particulate air pollution urban areas, an exploratory study was carried out determine levels carbonaceous aerosols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) city Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PM2.5 samples were collected using a high-volume sampler for 24 h several areas Lumpur during north-easterly monsoon from January March 2019. Samples analyzed water-soluble carbon (WSOC), (OC), elemental (EC). Secondary (SOC) estimated. Particle-bound PAHs gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Average concentrations WSOC, OC, EC 2.73 ± 2.17 (range 0.63–9.12) µg/m3, 6.88 4.94 (3.12–24.1) 3.68 1.58 (1.33–6.82) respectively, with estimated average SOC 2.33 contributing 34% total OC. The dominance char-EC over soot-EC suggests that is influenced by biomass coal combustion sources. 1.74 2.68 ng/m3. Source identification methods revealed natural burning, traffic as dominant sources Lumpur. A deterministic health risk assessment conducted age groups, including infant, toddler, children, adolescent, adult. Carcinogenic non-carcinogenic PAH species well below acceptable recommended USEPA. Backward trajectory analysis north-east mass brought pollutants studied suggesting major contributor increased Further work needed long-term monitoring data understand origin SOA formation apply source-risk apportionment better elucidate potential factors posed various