Particle Size Distribution and Gas-Particle Partition of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Helsinki Urban Area

Ambient concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in Helsinki (Finland). Particle mass size distributions were obtained with a cascade impactor (12 stages) with glass fibre filters as substrates. Simultaneously with the impactor measurements, particulate and gaseous PAHs were collected on a quartz filter and XAD-2 adsorbent, respectively, for evaluation of gas-partition coefficients. Samples were analysed for PAHs by on-line coupled supercritical fluid extraction — liquid chromatography — gas chromatography — mass spectrometry. The impactor results showed that most of the PAHs in Helsinki urban area were concentrated in fine particles (<2.5 μm diameter) with unimode peak at about 1 μm. The results were comparable with the number distribution measured with a differential mobility particle sizer. Total amounts of PAHs (gas + particle) varied from 15 (acenaphthylene) to 1990 (fluorene) pg/m³. The PAHs lighter than 202 amu (pyrene and fluoranthene) were exclusively in gas phase, whereas those heavier than 202 amu were mostly associated with particles. A plot of the partition coefficients (logKp) versus the temperature dependent sub-cooled vapour pressures (logp _L ⁰ ) showed a gradient of −0.66, which deviated from equilibrium state (gradient = −1).     

Comparison of vertical and horizontal deposition hole concept for disposal of radioactive waste based on rock mechanical in situ stress-strength analyses

In Finland, a spent fuel repository is being planned in hard, crystalline rock to the depth of 300–800 m. The repository will consist of parallel deposition tunnels which are interconnected by a central tunnel. The spent fuel canisters will be placed in holes drilled according to the tunnel floor—vertical deposition hole concept or in the tunnel wall-horizontal deposition hole concept. Based on the numerical stress-strength analyses, both concepts are found to be feasible. However, when the maximum horizontal stress is perpendicular to the axis of the deposition hole, the rock in the vicinity of the horizontal deposition hole seems to have more stable behavior than in the case of the vertical deposition hole.