Multi-Oxygenated Organic Compounds in Fine Particulate Matter Collected in the Western Mediterranean Area

The chemical characterization of aerosols, especially fine organic fraction, is a relevant atmospheric challenge because their composition highly depends on localization. Herein, we studied the concentration multi-oxygenated compounds in western Mediterranean area, focusing sources and effect air patterns. aerosol fraction ranged 3–22% total mass particulate matter (PM)2.5. Seventy pollutants were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, including n-alkanones, n-alcohols, anhydrosugars, monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic keto-derivatives. highest concentrations found for carboxylic such as linoleic acid, tetradecanoic acid and, palmitic acid. Biomarkers vegetation sources, levoglucosan some fatty acids detected at most locations. In addition, from anthropogenic sources—mainly traffic cooking—have been identified. results indicate that PM this region formed mainly biogenic pollutants, emitted directly vegetation, degradation products volatile pollutants. Moreover, profile suggested area interesting studies several processes local costal breezes, industrial emissions, desert intrusions affect composition.