Occurrence, variation in the cold season, and correlation analysis of semivolatile organic compounds at typical sites on the eastern coast of China

Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are of global concern due to their ability to travel long distances, form secondary organic aerosols, and adversely affect both human health and the environment. In this study, 95 SVOC species are analyzed in air samples collected from three representative sites along the eastern coast of China: PD Station (urban), HN Station (rural), and HNI Station (island). Air samples are collected seasonally and the target compounds are quantified by high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS) following standard protocols. Our results indicate that SVOC concentrations range from 0.09 to 18839 pg m^-3. The urban and rural sites show significantly higher average SVOC concentrations (PD Station: 277 pg m^-3, HN Station: 277 pg m^-3) compared to the island site (HNI Station: 202 pg m^-3). Variation in the cold season is also evident that phenols are significantly higher in winter than those in autumn and spring in all the three stations. While PCBs are significantly higher in autumn than winter and spring, which are mainly related to the wind conditions during different seasons. Correlation analyses further reveal strong positive relationships among compounds within the same SVOC groups, suggesting common source origins-either from historical contamination or new emissions. These findings provide robust numerical evidence for spatial and seasonal variations in SVOC levels and highlight the critical need for ongoing monitoring. Such efforts are essential for developing effective regulatory strategies to mitigate the potential health risks associated with chronic SVOC exposure.