Abstract
This study investigated variations in air quality by evaluating trace gases, inhalable particulate matter (PM_(10)), and associated trace elements at three sites in Panzhihua (a mining city located in Panxi Rift Valley, Southwest China) between January and December 2014. The concentrations of 19 trace elements in PM_(10) were determined through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Single particle morphology and chemical composition were determined through scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis to identify their possible sources. Mean sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide concentrations were highest near the steel smelting district, whereas ozone concentrations were highest in the residential region. Annual mean concentrations of PM_(10) at three sites were 129.4, 165.5, and 187.2 μg m^(-3); all these exceed the annual mean (70.0 μg m^(-3)) of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. In addition, the concentrations of trace elements in PM_(10) exhibited significant spatial and seasonal variations at the three sites. The mean concentrations of trace elements in PM_(10) were in the order of Fe ＞ Ti ＞ Zn ＞ Pb ＞ Cu ＞ Mn ＞ Ba ＞ V ＞ Cr ＞ Ni ＞ Sr ＞ Bi ＞ Cd ＞ As ＞ Co ＞ Sb ＞ Sc ＞ TI ＞ U. The enrichment factor values of the trace elements suggested that anthropogenic activities were the dominant sources of As, Cd, Sb, Ti, TI, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Bi. Particle morphology and chemical composition analysis revealed five major particle types, namely aluminosilicate, Fe-containing, mineral, soot, and Ca-containing particles.
Highlights
Mining and steel smelting activities have been considered the primary cause of air quality deterioration worldwide (Allen et al, 2001; Csavina et al, 2012; Bhanu et al, 2014)
The annual mean concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) at all sites was lower than the Grade-II value (4.0 mg m–3) of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)
The annual mean concentration of O3 at all sites was lower than the Grade-II 8-h peak O3 standard (160μg m–3) of the NAAQS
Summary
Mining and steel smelting activities have been considered the primary cause of air quality deterioration worldwide (Allen et al, 2001; Csavina et al, 2012; Bhanu et al, 2014). These activities emit high concentrations of trace gaseous pollutants, particulate matter (PM), and toxic elements. These air pollutants play a crucial role in influencing human health (Garcia et al, 2011). Mining cities in developing countries such as China have been adversely affected by air pollution in recent years because of rapid economic growth resulting in a tremendous increase in energy demand
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