The source characterization and chemical change of ambient aromatic hydrocarbons

Aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmosphere transported over long distances, were measured in rural and urban areas in order to determine their source characterization and chemical behavior. The aromatic hydrocarbons emitted from different sources with characteristic ratios are chemically changed depending on their reactivity with OH radicals. Comparing the observed relative contents of C8 aromatic hydrocarbons with the characteristic ratios of each source, photochemical aging was observed in field measurements performed on the top of a mountain, in a coastal area, and on the meteorological observation tower.