Source identification of carbohydrates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a rural area near the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

A study near Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, reveals distinct seasonal variations in airborne organic compounds, with PM 10 concentrations higher in summer despite typical European winter heating practices. Anhydrosugars dominated carbohydrate levels year-round, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) peaked seasonally, with benzo(b)fluoranthene highest in spring and winter. Multi-statistical analyses identified mixed sources in spring—traffic, domestic heating, biomass burning, and biogenic emissions—as well as seasonal shifts in dominance, such as traffic and biogenic sources in autumn and domestic heating in winter. The annual average of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) fell below EU safety thresholds, underscoring regional air quality variations linked to human and natural activities.

Sopčić, S., Jakovljević, I., Štrukil, Z. S., & Bešlić, I. (2025). Source identification of carbohydrates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a rural area near the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia. Atmospheric Environment, 345, 121050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2025.121050