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Abstract
In order to investigate the temporal and spatial variations and the size distribution of atmospheric particulate matter and associated airborne elements, atmospheric particulate matter (TSP, PM2.5 and size-segregated aerosol particles) were collected monthly for one year from the traditional central district and suburbs of Nanjing, China. Source identification of airborne elements in PM2.5 was carried out using multivariate statistical analysis. The annual mass concentrations ranged from 49.4 µg/m 3 to 391 µg/m 3 , with a mean of 135 µg/m 3 for TSP and from 20.4 µg/m 3 to 200 µg/m 3 with a mean of 80.5 µg/m 3 for PM2.5. The distribution of annual size-segregated aerosol particles showed a bimodal pattern of coarse and fine particle fractions. Spatial and seasonal variations of elemental composition in atmospheric particulates were observed. The major elements (A1, Ca, Fe, Mg, Na and Mn) were mainly distributed in coarse fractions, while toxic elements, such as As, Cd, Pb and Zn, were significantly enriched in the fine fractions. The enrichment factor indicated anthropogenic inputs of As, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the TSP and PM2.5 examined in this work. Four potential sources for PM2.5 were identified by principal component analysis. The source contributions calculated using absolute principal component scores were 37.5% for the first component, 34.1% for the second, 9.0% for the third and 19.8% for the fourth. The Na/Cr/Cu component identified by principal component analysis was divided into Na/Cr and Cu groups using R-mode cluster analysis of PM2.5, and the Ti in the fourth component was assigned to Cluster 2, indicating a statistical difference in airborne metallic elements. The results of the investigation of element composition, size distribution, and source apportionment carried out in this work can help to better understand and manage the effects of these aerosols on health and air quality.
Highlights
The recent rapid economic development in China has led to deterioration of the local environment
Cd, Pb and Zn were significantly enriched in the fine fractions (2.1–1.1 μm, 1.1–0.7 μm, 0.7–0.4 μm, and < 0.4 μm), suggesting more anthropogenic loads
The annual mass concentrations for TSP and PM2.5 ranged from 49.4 μg/m3 to 391 μg/m3 and from 20.4 μg/m3 to 200 μg/m3, respectively
Summary
The recent rapid economic development in China has led to deterioration of the local environment. Atmospheric particulate matters result from various sources or are formed as secondary pollutants from primary emissions through chemical reactions. These particulates may include a wide variety of chemical species ranging from elemental to organic and inorganic. Researches have been carried out on the seasonal variations and the size distribution of atmospheric particulates and associated elements and their source apportionment in various parts of world (Olmez et al, 2004; Song et al, 2006; Srivastava et al, 2008; Wang et al, 2010; Lee and Hieu, 2011; Gugamsetty et al, 2012; Hu et al, 2012a). Knowledge about the temporal and spatial variations and the size distribution of atmospheric particulates (TSP, PM2.5 and size-segregated aerosol particles) and associated metallic metals is still scarce, further study should be carried out
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