Photocatalytic Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Collected on TiO2-Supporting Quartz Fibre Filters

Airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is known to have adverse effects on human health, and owing their carcinogenic mutagenic nature, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of particular concern. This study investigated the effect ultraviolet (UV)-induced photocatalysis degradation PAHs in PM2.5, employing titanium dioxide (TiO2)-supporting quartz fibre filters. A TiO2 layer was formed filters, airborne PM2.5 collected using an air sample at a flow rate 500 L/min for 24 h. The samples were subsequently irradiated with rays 1.1 mW/cm2. amounts nine targeted (phenanthrene, PHE; anthracene, ANT; pyrene, PYR; benzo[a]anthracene, BaA; chrysene, CHR; benzo[b]fluoranthene, BbF; benzo[k]fluoranthene, BkF; benzo[a]pyrene, BaP; benzo[g,h,i]perylene, BgP) gradually decreased during treatment, half-lives ranging from 18 h (PHE) 3 (BaP), significantly greater reduction found comparison control (non-TiO2 coated) However, rates much faster when direct contact layer. As mixture various kinds solids, co-existing components can be rate-determining factor UV-induced PAHs. demonstrated by remarkable increase following removal salts water treatment.