| Title: | Determination of metal(oid)s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in size-fractionated airborne particulate matter : methodological approaches, trends, gaps and future needs : a review |
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| Authors: | ID Ilenič, Anja (Corresponding author)
ID Kumar, Prashant (Author)
ID Milačič Ščančar, Radmila (Author)
ID Đurić, Marija (Author)
ID Mauko Pranjić, Alenka (Author)
ID Ščančar, Janez (Author) |
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| Files: |  URL - Source URL, visit https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teac.2026.e00303
 PDF - Presentation file, download (2,27 MB)
MD5: 86E1E99C5F28AFF8351648736F89CDD0
 DOCX - Supplement, download (204,21 KB)
MD5: FCBB59CAF38AB175793BD641B0607E3D
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| Language: | English |
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| Typology: | 1.02 - Review Article |
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| Organization: |  ZAG - Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute
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| Abstract: | This review highlights a significant gap in the multi-pollutant characterisation of ultrafine particulate matter (PM <0.1 µm), focusing on metal(oid)s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Fractionation mechanisms, sampling protocols and analytical methods are examined with an emphasis on integrating quality assurance measures to ensure high-quality data and facilitate cross-study comparability. Based on studies published between 2010 and 2025, research has largely focused on the analysis of pollutants bound to PM2.5 or PM10. Only 5% of the studies addressed ultrafine particles (UFPs), which have the greatest toxicological impacts. The measurement of both pollutant groups within a single sampling campaign was rare (14% of the studies). The reliability of analytical data was rarely evaluated. Only 33% of the studies employed certified reference materials for quality control and method validation. Microwave-assisted digestion and ultrasound-assisted extraction were commonly used for sample preparation prior to the determination of metal(oid)s and PAHs, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. Both pollutant groups exhibited strong seasonal variability, with elevated concentrations observed during heating periods in cold seasons, as well as associated with fine PM and UFPs, fractions that exhibit high bioaccessibility. Smaller PM fractions were associated with anthropogenic sources, including fossil fuel and biomass combustion, traffic and industrial emissions, while coarse PM reflected naturally-derived crustal material. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of uniform and comprehensive protocols for sampling UFPs and quantifying associated pollutants, which are essential for reliable data and effective urban air quality control strategies aimed at mitigating emissions. |
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| Keywords: | particulate matter, urban air quality, sampling protocols, analytical methods, metal(oid)s, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Publication date: | 18.03.2026 |
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| Publisher: | Elsevier |
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| Year of publishing: | 2026 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 1-11 |
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| Numbering: | Vol. 50, [article no.] e00303 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DiRROS-29396  |
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| UDC: | 54 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2214-1588 |
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| DOI: | 10.1016/j.teac.2026.e00303 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 272699651 |
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| Copyright: | © 2026 The Authors |
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| Publication date in DiRROS: | 15.05.2026 |
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| Views: | 35 |
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| Downloads: | 26 |
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