Abstract
This study aims to assess the physicochemical characteristics of the particulate matter ≤10 µm (PM10) at both congested and non-congested areas of Lahore, the second-largest city of Pakistan. PM10 samples from 10 urban sites in Lahore were analysed for source apportionment. The techniques of scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDX) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) were used to determine the morphology and the chemical composition of PM10. Thirteen elements including toxic metals were consequently detected and quantified: Ca (48.1%), Zn (17.0%), Fe (13.3%), Al (8.2%), Mg (6.6%), Pb (5.5%), Mn (0.4%), Cu (0.3%), Ba (0.17%), Cd (0.15%), Ni (0.04%), Cr (0.01%) and Co (0.008%). The results showed that the daily PM10 concentration was 6%–9% higher than the World Health Organization’s guideline values at all urban sites of Lahore. The congested sites showed higher contents than the non-congested areas for most of the elements, including Cd (41.8%), Cr (35.0%), Zn (19.7%), Cu (12.7%), Ni (6.2%), Ca (3.4%), Ba (1.2%), Mg (1.2%) and Al (0.07%). The non-congested areas showed higher contents only for Pb (0.07%) and Co (4.3%). The principal component analysis indicated that 72% of PM10 originates from road dust and vehicular sources, and 38% from industrial sources.
Highlights
Urbanization and anthropogenic activities contribute to the air pollution in cities
This study aims to assess the physicochemical characteristics of the particulate matter 10 mm (PM10) at both congested and non-congested areas of Lahore, the second-largest city of Pakistan
Similar PM whose aerodynamic diameter is 10 lm (PM10) concentrations were previously found in studies carried out either in Lahore or in other urban areas of Pakistan.[1,2,34,35,38,45]
Summary
Urbanization and anthropogenic activities contribute to the air pollution in cities. Ambient air quality is deteriorating in Pakistan continuously due to anthropogenic emissions.[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8] In addition to anthropogenic sources, particulate matter (PM) is produced by natural sources.[9]. Aerosol particles vary in their particle size, morphology, chemical composition and dispersion and pose a significant impact on climate and public health.[10,11,12] it is imperative that morphology and chemical composition of aerosol particles in the atmosphere be determined.
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