Identification of Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Central Europe.

This study evaluates the trends and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) monitored at National atmospheric observatory Košetice (NAOK), a rural background site. In total, 14 PAH concentrations in particulate matter (PM10) between 2006 and 2016 were evaluated. The highest concentrations of all PAH were measured at the beginning of the study period, in 2006. The positive matrix factorization (EPA PMF 5.0) was used to determine the sources of PAH at NAOK, with three factors resolved. The probable origin areas of PMF factors were identified by Conditional Bivariate Probability Function method (CBPF) and Potential Source Contribution Function method (PSCF) methods. NAOK is affected by local sources of PAH, as well as by regional and long-range transport