Abstract:
The concentrations of anhydrosugars (levoglucosan, mannosan, and galactosan), polyols (inositol, xylitol, sorbitol, and
mannitol), and glucose were measured in PM1
and PM10
samples collected during 1 year at a traffic site in the city of Elche
(southeastern Spain). Levoglucosan, mannosan, and galactosan were mainly found in the PM1
fraction since they are mainly
emitted from biomass burning (BB). Likewise, inositol, xylitol, and sorbitol were primarily distributed in the fine mode, suggesting
a non-negligible contribution from anthropogenic sources (specifically BB) to the levels of these compounds. This
was supported by their seasonal variations, with higher concentrations during winter, and their correlations with levoglucosan
concentrations. The average contributions of biomass burning and biogenic sources to OC and PM levels were calculated
using levoglucosan and mannitol, respectively, as tracers. On average, BB accounted for 12% and 16% of the OC in PM1
and
PM10,
while the estimated contribution of fungal spores to OC and PM10
levels was 1.2 and 0.8%, respectively. The results of
the present study suggest that, at least in the study area, most sugar alcohols are not appropriate tracers of biogenic emissions
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