Abstract
This paper describes the first part of a project conducted to evaluate the trace element composition of atmospheric aerosol particles (PM2.5) and to determine their influence on air quality in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. PM2.5 particles were collected from two different sites (industrial and residential) in Taif during the summer of 2011. The industrial site was situated in the largest industrial area of Taif, and the residential site was situated in the city’s most crowded area. PM2.5 samples were collected on polycarbonate filters using a cyclonic collector. Each sample was collected over a 24 hour period and new samples were collected weekly. Average PM2.5 concentrations of 47 ± 15 and 46 ± 31 µg/m 3 were seen in the industrial and residential areas, respectively. An Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer with a Mo secondary target was used to analyze the solid samples because of the relative simplicity of the technique for filter analysis. The use of a Mo secondary target is advantageous, because it decreases the impact of continuum radiation from the X-ray tube and increases the signal to background ratio. Quantitative X-ray Analysis Software (PyMca) was used to perform quantitative analysis of the atmospheric aerosols. The analysis resulted in detected concentrations for sixteen elements; Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Pb and Black Carbon (BC). Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) it was possible to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources. The measured concentrations of the potentially hazardous trace elements Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb were below the limits defined by international guidelines and national standards for ambient air quality. However, further long-term research will be required to validate the quantification of trace elements in particulate matter in Taif.
Highlights
It is important to study the chemical composition of atmospheric particulate matter because of its effects on human health (Renwick et al, 2001) and climate change (Karl et al, 1997; Cahill, 1996)
This paper describes the first part of a project conducted to evaluate the trace element composition of atmospheric aerosol particles (PM2.5) and to determine their influence on air quality in Taif city, Saudi Arabia
The highest measured PM2.5 mass concentrations at both sites are approximately twice as high as the upper limit specified in the ambient air quality standards published by the European commission (European Commission, 2012), which require a yearly mean of no more than 25 μg/m3
Summary
It is important to study the chemical composition of atmospheric particulate matter because of its effects on human health (Renwick et al, 2001) and climate change (Karl et al, 1997; Cahill, 1996) Such studies provide information on the origins of the particulate material and can reveal whether it was emitted as primary or secondary particles. The second aspect is that single elements or ratios of different elements can be used to fingerprint and monitor emissions from specific sources that may be emitting more hazardous species that are less stable and more difficult to measure Laws in both the USA and the European Union have established recommended limits on the concentrations of inhalable particles in ambient air (Mark, 1998)
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