Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/17760
Title: Benzene and toluene in urban air in Malta
Authors: Vella, Alfred J.
Gaerty, Ondine
Keywords: Air -- Pollution -- Malta
Air quality -- Malta -- Evaluation
Air quality -- Environmental aspects -- Malta
Toluene
Benzene
Issue Date: 1998
Publisher: Malta Chamber of Scientists
Citation: Vella, A. J., & Gaerty, O. (1998). Benzene and toluene in urban air in Malta. Xjenza, 3(2), 29-32.
Abstract: This is the first published report on the presence of benzene and toluene in street air in Malta. The data refers to one hour average concentrations obtained from active samplers positioned at 1.5 m height in urban, suburban and rural sites and in a road tunnel. Two sampling time periods were chosen, one just before and the other after the morning rush hour traffic. Both benzene, a known carcinogen, and toluene are found to be present in higher concentrations in street air from urban sites than from suburban sites and are not detectable in rural areas unless these sites are visited by motor traffic as on weekends. ln general, concentrations of these hydrocarbons increase after the passage of morning traffic. Benzene concentrations ranged from 7 to 84 pg m·3 and toluene from 26 to 306 pg m-3. lt is suggested that the air quality in Malta with respect to the presence of benzene and toluene is probably poor for sites where automotive traffic is prevalent but is generally good for rural areas. Air quality can be improved with the phaseout of leaded petrol which will allow the introduction of catalytic converters in petrol-powered vehicles.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/17760
Appears in Collections:Scholarly Works - FacSciChe

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