Size-selected particles in an urban atmosphere of Brisbane, Australia

Abstract

Interpretations of source contributions and the behaviour of particles in the urban atmosphere of Brisbane were made by comparing the results of elemental analyses with the measured meteorological conditions, PM 10, light scattering, gaseous pollutant concentrations and particle size distributions. Carbon was determined to be the most abundant element in the fine particles (FP). Although many of the other elements in the greater relative abundances are usually associated with natural origins, the major influence resulting in changes to FP mass was concluded to be by elements from anthropogenic sources. This conclusion was based on the significant positive relationships between the anthropogenic elements (e.g., Pb, Br, C, Ti, V, Mn, etc.) with the FP mass. The major influence on the PM 10 mass concentrations was determined to be the elements usually associated with natural origins such as Na and Cl. In addition, the positive relationship of submicrometre particle number concentrations with FP carbon and with vehicular-emitted gaseous species including NO x and CO implied a significant contribution of vehicle exhausts to aerosols in this size range.