Atmospheric Suspended Particulate Matter Research Articles

Transition metals concentration within the PM10 fraction of atmospheric suspended particulate matter – case study, Craiova, 2021

The current case study had the main purpose of determining and reporting the concentrations of the most toxic transition metals present in the composition of the particles suspended in the atmosphere, namely: lead, nickel, arsenic and cadmium. In the collection of experimental data, the fraction of suspended particulate matter represented by inhalable particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 microns (PM10) was studied, by taking, during two weeks within different seasons of the year 2021, two set of seven filters, each used for one day – from an area of heavy traffic, on one of the main arteries of the municipality of Craiova, near a continuous air quality monitoring station capable of monitoring PM10. Thus, it was possible to permanently compare the results obtained through this application with the official data – registered during the same time intervals – by the local division of the EPA, founding a remarkable data concordance.

Correlation analysis and application investigation of multi-angle simultaneous polarization measurement data and concentration of suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere

Determining the composition, particle size distribution and concentration changes of suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere is important for evaluating the quality of air and its impact on public health. The scattering and absorption of light by suspended particulate matter can change the polarization state of light, which can be used to extract characteristic information of measured particles. Firstly, we use our previously developed multi-angle simultaneous polarization measurement device to monitor the particulate matter around Dianshan Lake, Shanghai, and obtain high-throughput, high-dimensional Stokes data for nearly 1 month. The correlation between the Stokes data measured and the reference concentrations of five suspended particulate matter (Si, K, Fe, Ca, and Zn) was analyzed using the Periodical canonical correlation analysis (PCCA) method. The study shows a strong correlation between the three Stokes vectors and the concentrations of two types of suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere. Moreover, a prediction model for the concentration change of suspended particles was proposed by combining the locally weighted linear regression (LWLR) and the auto regressive moving average (ARMA) model. The prediction results on the concentration change of K and Fe in the atmosphere verified the validity of our method. The research in this work offers the possibility of continuous analysis and prediction of atmospheric suspended particulate matter in real environments.

Phthalates, non-phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, and phenyl phosphates in atmospheric suspended particulate matter of Dhahran City, Saudi Arabia: levels and seasonal variation

This is the first report to describe the seasonal variations, levels, and possible health effects of groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as phthalates (Ps), non-phthalates (NPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and phenyl phosphates (PhePhs) in ambient total suspended particles (TSP) from the city of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The mass concentrations of TSP ranged from 88 ± 32 μg m−3 in winter to 350 ± 320 μg m−3 in summer. The total concentrations of these compounds varied from 337 ± 266 ng m−3 in summer to 469 ± 403 ng m−3 in winter. The major compounds were Ps (235 ± 199 ng m−3 in summer to 389 ± 335 ng m−3 in winter), PCBs (30.7 ± 19.3 ng m−3 in autumn to 65.6 ± 61.2 ng m−3 in summer), NPs (4.9 ± 2.3 ng m−3 in summer to 11.9 ± 12.5 ng m−3 in winter), and PhePhs (4.1 ± 4.0 ng m−3 in spring to 13.3 ± 3.2 ng m−3 in summer). The proportional fractions of these POPs relative to natural biogenic sources and petroleum-related emissions were extremely high ranging from 17% in winter to 47% in autumn. Significant correlations were found among these different POP groups and total concentrations, suggesting that they were from local sources. Principal component analysis indicated that Ps and NPs were from the same initial sources, and the PhePhs as well as PCBs were from different regional sources, where the latter were dependent on the TSP levels. In the long term, the elevated levels of these POPs in the TSP of these urban areas will affect human health by eventually developing a range of illnesses.

Long-Term and Seasonal Changes in Sources of Urban Atmospheric Particulates in the Western Pacific

To reduce atmospheric pollutants, the sources need to be identified. To this end, combustion-derived particulates (Pc) in atmospheric suspended particulate matter (TSP) in ten Western Pacific cities from 1997 to 2018 were analyzed using the NP method, which we have recently developed. The method separates Pc into particulates originating from high-temperature (Ph) and low-temperature (Pl) combustion sources. Using this method, ten cities in the Asia-Pacific region were separated into three classes. Class 1: commercial cities whose major contributor to Pc was from vehicles, and which showed lower [Pc] values with larger [Ph]/[Pc] ratios. Sapporo, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Sagamihara (Japan), Shanghai (China), and Busan (Korea) were contained in this class. Class 2: cities whose main source of Pc was from coal heating, and which showed much higher winter [Pc] with larger [Pl]/[Pc] ratios. Beijing, Shenyang (China), and Vladivostok (Russia) were contained in this class. Class 3: steel manufacturing city which showed lower [Pc] with larger [Pl]/[Pc] ratio. The low [Pc] appeared to be due to elimination of Pl from coke oven plants. Only Kitakyushu was contained in this class. This study has elucidated the contribution of sources to urban atmospheric TSP in the Western Pacific that was previously unknown. Overall [Pc] was decreasing in this region, mainly due to the decreasing contribution of vehicles to Pc, but not due to a decrease in coal combustion.

Reduction of Atmospheric Suspended Particulate Matter Concentration and Influencing Factors of Green Space in Urban Forest Park

In the process of urbanization in China, the problem of atmospheric suspended particulate matter pollution is becoming increasingly serious. It has been impossible to completely rely on pollution source control measures to solve this problem for a long time due to the diversity and complexity of pollution sources. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore alternate solutions to significantly improve air quality through increasing the capacity of green space in cities as these locations can provide multiple ecosystem services. In this study, a three-dimensional classification system was created by utilizing Beijing’s urban forest as a study area. Considering the meteorological factors, change of month and time and the characteristics of the forest itself, the significance and difference of reducing the concentration of atmospheric suspended particulate matter by the forest with different vegetation structures were tested. The results showed that meteorological factors such as wind velocity, temperature, and relative humidity all had a very significant effect on the concentration of atmospheric suspended particulate matter in the conditions of this study. The concentration was highest in winter, followed by spring and autumn, and lowest in summer. The concentration in the morning was the lowest of the day, increasing in the noon and afternoon with time. It was the lowest in the closed single-layered mixed forest, and the highest in the open lawn green space. By comparing the forest with gradient areas of 0.5 ha and 3.0 ha, it was found that with the increase in the area, the green space did not necessarily show a better dust retention effect, and the vegetation structure type of the green space often had more important influence. There was a very significant correlation between vegetation structure and plant diversity (Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index and Simpson Diversity Index). Biodiversity could significantly support and strengthen urban forest ecological service functions that improve air quality. Increasing the plant species diversity could lead to lower particulate matter concentration. The research conclusions could provide theoretical and practical bases for how to select the combination of vegetation structure in the planning and design of urban forest oriented to improve air quality.

African dust contribution to ambient aerosol levels across central Spain: Characterization of long-range transport episodes of desert dust

This work presents a summary of the results obtained from a study of the impact of African dust on levels of atmospheric suspended particulate matter registered among different monitoring sites in the Madrid Air Basin, in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. African dust outbreaks were identified over the period 2001–2008. Lidar measurements helped to assess the temporal evolution of the dust layers and subsequent impact on the surface boundary layer. Monthly trends were analyzed, revealing a late spring/summer maximum occurrence of episodes. The most common synoptic meteorological situations causing the transport of the African dusty air masses were also identified over the seasons. Time series of particulate matter daily concentrations recorded across Air Quality Network monitoring stations and sampling campaigns were collected and analysed. Our results show the contribution of mineral dust to PM10 (particulate matter lower than 10μm, aerodynamic diameter) during African dust outbreaks to be significantly high at rural and urban sites of the Madrid Air Basin, giving rise to exceedances of the PM10 daily limit value (50μg/m3). This result is especially relevant since European directive 2008/50/EC on air quality, takes into account the potential exceedance of the PM10 daily limit value, due to the transport of natural particles from arid regions.

The Continued Reduction in Dense Fog in the Southern California Region: Possible Causes

Dense fog appears to be decreasing in many parts of the world, especially in western cities. Dense fog (visibility <400 m) is disappearing in the urban southern California area also. There the decrease in dense fog events can be explained mainly by declining particulate levels, Pacific sea surface temperatures (SST), and increased urban warming. Using hourly data from 1948 to the present, we looked at the relationship between fog events in the region and contributing factors and trends over time. Initially a strong relationship was suggested between the occurrence of dense fog and the phases of an atmosphere–ocean cycle: the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). However, closer analysis revealed the importance to fog variability of an increasing urban heat island and the amount of atmospheric suspended particulate matter. Results show a substantial decrease in the occurrence of very low visibilities (<400 m) at the two airport stations in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, LAX (Los Angeles International) and LGB (Long Beach International). A downward trend in particulate concentrations, coupled with an upward trend in urban temperatures were associated with the decrease in dense fog occurrence at both LAX and LGB. LAX dense fog that reached over 300 h in 1950 dropped steadily, with 0 h recorded in 1997. Since 1997, there has been a slight recovery with both 2008 and 2009 recording over 30 h of dense fog at both locations. In this study we examine whether the upturn is a temporary reversal of the trend. To remove the urban effect, we also included fog data from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VBG), located in a relatively sparsely populated area approximately 200 km to the north of metropolitan Los Angeles. Particulates, urban heat island, and Pacific SSTs all seem to be contributing factors to the decrease in fog in southern California, along with large-scale atmosphere–ocean interaction cycles. Case studies of local and regional dense fog in southern California point to the importance of strong, low inversions and to a lesser contributor, Santa Ana winds. Both are associated with large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns, which have changed markedly over the period of studied. These changes point to continued decreases in dense fog in the region.

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in the atmosphere and tree bark from Beijing, China

Air samples in four seasons at one site and tree bark samples from four districts were determined to investigate seasonal variation and regional distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in Beijing, China. The total concentrations of PBDEs (∑PBDE) and HBCD (∑HBCD) were in the range of 57–470 and 20–1800 pg m −3 in the atmosphere, respectively. The ∑PBDE and ∑HBCD concentrations were significantly influenced by the total suspended particulate matter in atmosphere. The total concentrations of PBDEs and HBCD in tree bark samples were in the range of 99–3700 and 26–3400 ng g −1 lipid weight. It was found that regional distribution of PBDEs and HBCD was related to the function of each district. In addition, the study found that weeping willow bark was an ideal atmospheric PBDEs and HBCD passive sampler. Finally, atmospheric levels of BDE-209 and HBCD at tree bark sampling districts were estimated via applying an established bark/air partitioning model, which had been verified by the measured concentrations in tree bark and atmosphere in Beijing.

Lead Isotopic and Metallic Pollution Record in Tree Rings from the Copperbelt Mining–Smelting Area, Zambia

The composition of tree rings and soils was studied at several locations affected by smelting and transportation in the vicinity of Kitwe (Copperbelt, Zambia). The contents of cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) and the 206Pb/207Pb isotope ratios in the tree rings were interpreted in relation to potential sources of contamination such as smelter production, acidification of the environment, soil composition, raw material processing, and atmospheric suspended particulate matter (SPM). The highest Co contents in the tree rings correspond to maximum ore production in the mid-1970s. Acidification through SO2 emissions is documented in the increased Mn contents from the mid-1980s. The isotopic composition of the tree rings of the studied tree species varies in the interval 1.16–1.34 and the youngest parts of all the studied trees exhibit a low 206Pb/207Pb ratio ( 1.3) in the whole profile and simultaneously the youngest parts of the tree rings of tree species growing in this soil have a low 206Pb/207Pb ratio (<1.17), it can be assumed that the Pb in the youngest parts of the tree species is derived from absorption of SPM Pb through the bark rather than root uptake. The absence of Pb with a low 206Pb/207Pb ratio in soils in the distant area is probably affected by fires in the herbaceous and bush undergrowth and plant litter, which prevents Pb from biomass from entering the soil and mobilize it back into the atmosphere.

Annual and Seasonal Variations of Trace Metals in Atmospheric Suspended Particulate Matter in Islamabad, Pakistan

Total Suspended particulate matter (TSP) in urban atmosphere of Islamabad was collected using a high volume sampling technique for a period of one year. The nitric acid–perchloric acid extraction method was used and the metal contents were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The highest mean concentration was found for Ca at 4.531 µg/m3, followed by Na (3.905 µg/m3), Fe (2.464 µg/m3), Zn (2.311 µg/m3), K (2.086 µg/m3), Mg (0.962 µg/m3), Cu (0.306 µg/m3), Sb (0.157 µg/m3), Pb (0.144 µg/m3) and Sr (0.101 µg/m3). On an average basis, the decreasing metal concentration trend was: Ca > Na > Fe > Zn > K > Mg > Cu > Sb > Pb > Sr > Mn > Co > Ni > Cr > Li > Cd ≈ Ag. The TSP levels varied from a minimum of 41.8 to a maximum of 977 µg/m3, with a mean value of 164 µg/m3, which was found to be higher than WHO primary and secondary standards. The correlation study revealed very strong correlations (r > 0.71) between Fe–Mn, Sb–Co, Na–K, Mn–Mg, Pb–Cd and Sb–Sr. Among the meteorological parameters, temperature, wind speed and pan evaporation were found to be positively correlated with TSP, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Ag, whereas, they exhibited negative relationships with relative humidity. On the other hand, Pb, Sb, Zn, Co, Cd and Li revealed significant positive correlations with relative humidity and negative with temperature, wind speed and pan evaporation. The major sources of airborne trace metals identified with the help of principle component analysis and cluster analysis were industrial emissions, automobile exhaust, biomass burning, oil combustion, fugitive emissions, resuspended soil dust and earth crust. The TSP and selected metals were also studied for seasonal variations, which showed that Na, K, Zn, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sr, Co and Cd peaked during the winter and remained lowest during the summer, while Ca, Fe, Mg and Mn were recorded highest during the spring.

Concentration Of Trace Elements in Airborne PM10 from Jobos Bay National Estuary, Puerto Rico

Atmospheric suspended particulate matter (PM10) was sampled from the Jobos Bay estuary in Salinas and from a reference site (Fajardo) in the east coast of Puerto Rico. Salinas is a town in the south coast of Puerto Rico adjacent to a number of industries and to the only coal power plant on the island. It is important to study the air quality in this area since significant releases of metal to the environment due to energy production could represent a threat to local communities. This study evaluated the levels of PM10, metals, and arsenic to set a reference point for future environmental studies in the area. Sampling was performed for periods of 72 h between August 2002 and May 2003 using a Partisol Plus Model 2025 sequential PM10 air monitor. Seven metals were analyzed per sample (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Hg, Pb and V) plus arsenic using Atomic Absorption. Average annuals levels for PM10 in Salinas were 22.9 μg/m3 versus 20.7 μg/m3 in Fajardo. All metals analyzed were significantly higher in Salinas when compared to Fajardo (reference site). Statistical analyses showed strong relationships between the metal groups (Cu and Cd) and (As and Pb) at Salinas. Good relationship was also observed for Fe and PM10. This analysis suggests two main sources for the elements: anthropogenic and metal flux from Saharan dust arriving to the island.

Lead Isotopic Compositions of Atmospheric Suspended Particulate Matter in Nagoya City as Measured by HR-ICP-MS

Lead isotope ratios in atmospheric suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected in Nagoya City were measured by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) after microwave-assisted acid digestion. Before analyzing SPM samples, the present method was evaluated by analyzing standard reference material (SRM 981) for common lead isotopic standard from NIST. The analytical results for 207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb for SRM 981 were 0.9160±0.0006 and 2.136±0.003, respectively, which were almost coincident with the certified values of 0.91464±0.00033 and 2.1681±0.0008, respectively. The lead isotope ratios in SPM samples collected daily in Nagoya University were analyzed in order to elucidate their origins, and the results were compared with various kinds of ores. It was found that most SPM samples showed some mixed compositions of lead isotope ratios of lead ores from USA and Australia, which suggested utilization of large amount of lead ores imported from these two countries. On the other hand, some samples showed mixed compositions of lead ores from Asian continent, which might be resulted from the long-range transportation of atmospheric SPM from Asian continent to Japan.

Lead Isotopic Compositions of Atmospheric Suspended Particulate Matter in Nagoya City as Measured by HR-ICP-MS

Lead isotope ratios in atmospheric suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected in Nagoya City were measured by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) after microwave-assisted acid digestion. Before analyzing SPM samples, the present method was evaluated by analyzing standard reference material (SRM 981) for common lead isotopic standard from NIST. The analytical results for 207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb for SRM 981 were 0.9160±0.0006 and 2.136±0.003, respectively, which were almost coincident with the certified values of 0.91464±0.00033 and 2.1681±0.0008, respectively. The lead isotope ratios in SPM samples collected daily in Nagoya University were analyzed in order to elucidate their origins, and the results were compared with various kinds of ores. It was found that most SPM samples showed some mixed compositions of lead isotope ratios of lead ores from USA and Australia, which suggested utilization of large amount of lead ores imported from these two countries. On the other hand, some samples showed mixed compositions of lead ores from Asian continent, which might be resulted from the long-range transportation of atmospheric SPM from Asian continent to Japan.

Wet and dry African dust episodes over eastern Spain

The impact of the African dust on levels of atmospheric suspended particulate matter (SPM) and on wet deposition was evaluated in eastern Iberia for the period 1996–2002. An effort was made to compile both the SPM and wet episodes. To this end, the time series of levels of TSP and PM10 in Levantine air quality monitoring stations were evaluated and complemented with the computation of back trajectories, satellite images, and meteorological analysis. Wet deposition frequency was obtained from weekly collected precipitation data at a rural background station in which the African chemical signature was identified (mainly pH and Ca2+ concentrations). A number of African dust episodes (112) were identified (16 episodes per year). In 93 out of the 112 (13 episodes per year) the African dust influence caused high SPM levels. In 49 out of 112 (7 episodes per year), wet deposition was detected, and the chemistry was influenced by dust. There is a clear seasonal trend with higher frequency of dust outbreaks in May‐August, with second modes in March and October. Wet events followed a different pattern, with a marked maximum in May. Except for one event, December was devoid of African air mass intrusions. On the basis of seasonal meteorological patterns affecting the Iberian Peninsula, an interpretation of the meteorological scenarios causing African dust transport over Iberia was carried out. Four scenarios were identified with a clear seasonal trend. The impact of the different dust outbreak scenarios on the levels of PM10 recorded at a rural site (Monagrega, Teruel, Spain) in the period 1996–2002 was also evaluated.

A quantitative estimation of source contributions to the concentrations of atmospheric suspended particulate matter in urban, suburban, and industrial areas of Korea

The purpose of this study was to estimate the contributions of various sources to the suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the atmosphere of urban residential, suburban, and industrial areas of Korea. In this work, the techniques of principal component analysis (PCA) and stepwise multiple regression analysis were employed to identify and quantify the major sources which influence the ambient SPM. The mass contributions of the different sources were estimated by the calculation of absolute principal component scores (APCS), and a subsequent stepwise regression of the SPM concentrations using the APCS. The results indicated that the major classes of source which contribute to the ambient SPM in Korea are soil re-suspension, fuel combustion, motor vehicles, and secondary aerosols. The compilation of an extensive inventory of such sources is an essential task, so that a more detailed apportionment of their contributions to the SPM can be made in Korea.

Long-term study of liver damage following subcutaneous injection of airborne particle extracts and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fractions.

Female NMRI mice aged 9-12 weeks were each given a single subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml of a suspension containing either the total extracts or the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fraction of airborne particles. Both the total extracts and PAH fractions contain 3 microgram benzopyrene. After about 15 months the livers were removed from the animals, which had by that time developed tumors at the injection site, and were subjected to electron-microscopical study. The essential alterations were observed in the nucleoli and the cell nuclei, which had greatly proliferated and exhibited irregular nuclear membranes. Advanced fibrosis was observed in central liver specimens of all groups. Marked alterations were also observed in the mitochondria and the mitochondrial cristae as well as in the bile canaliculi, Intracytoplasmic glycogen usually occurred densely clustered along the periphery of the cell. It may be concluded from the observations that both the total extract of atmospheric suspended particulate matter and the PAH fraction cause hematogenic damage to the liver following subcutaneous injection, a finding which cannot be interpreted as metastatic carcinoma.

Profile analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by glass capillary gas chromatography in atmospheric suspended particulate matter in the nanogram range collecting 10 m3 of air

A procedure is described for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons containing more than 3 rings in airborne particulate matter by glass capillary gas chromatography, using a very thermostable poly-dimethyl-siloxane (CP sil 5), which does not drift in a temperature program even at the highest attenuation of the FID.

Dependency of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon content on size distribution of atmospheric aerosols

An examination was made of the dependency of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content on the particle size distribution of atmospheric suspended particulate matter. Ambient aerosols were collected in specific time periods during 1972 and 1973 using size-fractionating cascade impactors (Anderson ''Hi-Vol'' samplers) at five sites in Toronto, Ont. Collected particulate matter was extracted with benzene in a Soxhlet apparatus. Eight PAH's and two oxygenated arenes were separated by thin-layer chromatography and identified and analyzed by absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The efficiency and accuracy of the procedures involved were studied. The size distribution of PAH-containing particulates followed approximately a log-normal relationship for suburban and rural sampling sites with the majority of PAH content associated with particles below 3.0 ..mu..m diameter. Significant variations were discovered in PAH content between downtown-urban, urban, suburban, and rural areas. PAH concentration in submicron particles increased during the winter months.