Seasonal Variation, Chemical Composition, and PMF-Derived Sources Identification of Traffic-Related PM1, PM2.5, and PM2.5-10 in the Air Quality Management Region of Žilina, Slovakia.

Dusan Jandacka,Daniela Durcanska

doi:10.3390/ijerph181910191

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution in the urban environment is mainly related to the presence of potential sources throughout the year. Road transport is one of the most important sources of PM in the urban environment, because it directly affects pedestrians. PM measurements were performed in the city of Žilina, Slovakia, at various road-traffic-related measurement stations over the course of several years. This paper evaluates changes in the concentration of the fine fraction (PM2.5), the ultrafine fraction (PM1), and the coarse fraction (PM2.5–10) over time. PM concentrations were measured by reference gravimetric method. Significant changes in PM concentrations over time due to the diversification of pollution sources and other, secondary factors can be observed from the analysis of the measured data. PM samples were subjected to chemical analysis inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentrations of elements (Mg, Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Cd, Sb, Ba, Pb, Ni, and Zn). The seasonal variation of elements was evaluated, and the sources of PM2.5, PM1, and PM2.5–10 were estimated using principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF). PM2.5 (maximum concentration of 148.95 µg/m3 over 24 h) and PM1 (maximum concentration of 110.51 µg/m3 over 24 h) showed the highest concentrations during the heating season, together with the elements Cd, Pb, and Zn, which showed a significant presence in these fractions. On the other hand, PM2.5–10 (maximum concentration of 38.17 µg/m3 over 24 h) was significantly related to the elements Cu, Sb, Ba, Ca, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Al. High correlation coefficients (r ≥ 0.8) were found for the elements Mg, Ca, Fe, Al, Cd, Pb, and Zn in the PM1 fraction, Cd, Pb, and Zn in PM2.5, and Ba, Sb, Fe, Cu, Cr, Mg, Al, and Ca in PM2.5–10. Using PMF analysis, three major sources of PM (abrasion from tires and brakes, road dust resuspension/winter salting, and combustion processes) were identified for the PM2.5 and PM1 fractions, as well as for the coarse PM2.5–10 fraction. This study reveals the importance of non-exhaust PM emissions in the urban environment.

Highlights

Particulate matter (PM) is a common proxy indicator of air pollution
The analysis showed that the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM1 tend to be significantly higher in periods with low temperatures (Figure 2)
The PM2.5–10 fraction shows an even distribution throughout the year (Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

PM is a common proxy indicator of air pollution. The main components of PM are sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water. It consists of a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances suspended in air. While particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less (≤PM10 ) can penetrate and settle deep inside the lungs, particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less (≤PM2.5 ) are even more harmful, as they can penetrate the pulmonary barrier and enter the bloodstream [1]. Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to PM emissions—in particular. Oxidative stress caused by metals and organic

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Results

Conclusion