Morphology and chemical composition of dispersed particles in the snow cover of burnt forest areas in Western Transbaikalia (Russia)

Abstract

This article presents the results of long-term observations of the formation of atmospheric pollution by fine particles in burnt forest areas and in the surrounding areas. By studying snow cover, it was established that during the observation period of 4 years, carbon and mineral particles are formed in burnt forest areas, and are transferred by wind to the surrounding territory. Research via an electron microscope has established that microparticles formed in the burnt areas can consist of either individual grains or an association of small particles formed during the condensation-coagulation of organic substances at the time of the fire. The chemical composition of the particles contains carbon, aluminum, silicon, iron, zinc and other chemical elements. The results of the analysis of the chemical composition of the particles are processed by factor analysis using the principal component method. Possible mechanisms for the formation of particles and the formation of their chemical composition are considered.