Source attribution of seasonal continental deposition and trans-continental fluxes of benzo [α] pyrene, 1970-2018

Benzo[α] pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Since 1998, PAHs have been listed in the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This pollutant is of great public concern because of its toxicity and potential carcinogenicity. Emissions of BaP occurred as early in 1970s, increased till 1990, then decreased before spiking again from 2000 onwards. This shift in emissions from developed to developing countries is largely attributed due to shifting of BaP emitting industries, with China and India being the largest emitters of PAHs. In light of environmental significance, it is important to know the emission scenario of BaP. Results indicated that Asia has the highest regional emissions (1.73 х 10⁸ kg), while Australia (1.03 х 10⁶ kg) has the lowest. In the present study, have used the BETR-Global model to understand the BaP scenario at global scale. Here, we will highlight the long-term trends (1970 – 2018) of BaP transboundary seasonal depositions and seasonal inflows across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, Arctic and, Antarctica. This research underscores the importance of understanding the shifting dynamics of BaP emissions for effective environmental management and policy development.