Formation and transport of 2‐nitrofluoranthene and 2‐nitropyrene of photochemical origin in the troposphere

Abstract

The occurrence of 2‐nitrofluoranthene and 2‐nitropyrene in particulate matter collected in urban, suburban, forest, and remote areas located in Europe, America, Asia, and Antarctica was investigated. The results obtained confirm the photochemical origin of these components by gas phase reactions with OH radicals and their ubiquitous occurrence in the troposphere. An important role in their formation and dispersion seems to be played by carbon particles.