Abstract
Atmospheric particulate matter in two size fractions 2.5-10 μm and ≤ 2.5 μm were collected on nuclepore polycarbonate filter papers and were analyzed for elements using NAA and EDXRF. Varimax rotated factor analysis identified five major sources contributing to coarse and fine particulate mass. FA-MLR technique is applied to apportion the sources. Source apportionment studies showed maximum contribution of the coarse fraction was from sea salt (35%) and crustal (25%) sources. A considerable amount of the mass was also contributed from industrial (14%), vehicular (10%) and fugitive emissions (7%). These results also showed the percentage contribution of soil, two-stroke emission with fugitive dust, industrial emission, motor vehicles and sea salt to the average fine mass concentration was 3%, 18%, 23%, 29% and 9%, respectively. The contribution of each source to their constituent elements also has been determined using the same technique.
Highlights
Deterioration of air quality is a major problem faced by millions of urban Indians
A considerable amount of the mass was contributed from industrial (14%), vehicular (10%) and fugitive emissions (7%). These results showed the percentage contribution of soil, two-stroke emission with fugitive dust, industrial emission, motor vehicles and sea salt to the average fine mass concentration was 3%, 18%, 23%, 29% and 9%, respectively
The 24-hour average mass concentration of coarse particulate is in the range of 17-235 with a median value of 105 and in fine particulates, concentration ranges from 7.7-115.8 with a median value of 35.5
Summary
Most Indian cities are highly polluted with airborne particulate matter and have concentrations that are well above the many epidemiological studies (Pope et al, 1995). High concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 particles (that is particles with aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 and 10 μm and less) in the atmosphere have been shown to have significant impacts on human health in major urban areas around the world (Dockery, 1993) and several reports revealed significant correlations between particulate matter levels and increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and mortality (Pope et al, 2002; Almeida et al, 2005). It is essential to delineate the contributing airborne particulate sources in view of environmental quality management and human health perspectives. The application of effective abatement strategies to reduce PM levels is only possible when the emission sources have been uniquely identified and characterized (Viana et al, 2006)
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