Main Sources Of Particulate Matter Research Articles

Spatial and temporal variations in PM10 and PM2.5 across Madrid metropolitan area in 1999–2008

This paper presents a summary of the results obtained from the particulate matter (PM) data collected over the 1999–2008 period from representative sites of the Madrid air basin (an urban traffic site, an urban background site and a rural site) which is located in the centre of Spain. A number of PM10 and PM2.5 filters were obtained with high volume samplers and cut-off inlets and chemically analyzed. Pollutants recorded in this area at the Air Quality monitoring stations were also analyzed. The influence of the atmospheric transport scenarios on the levels of PM was investigated by means of atmospheric back-trajectories, satellite imagery and meteorological synoptic charts. Source apportionment studies were performed to characterize the main PM sources whenever was possible. Their contributions to bulk PM levels showed clear spatial patterns, linked to characteristic meteorological scenarios.

Particulate matter (PM) concentrations in underground and ground-level rail systems of the Los Angeles Metro

Abstract Elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM) have been found in a number of worldwide underground transit systems, with major implications regarding exposure of commuters to PM and its associated health effects. An extensive sampling campaign was conducted in May–August 2010 to measure PM concentrations in two lines of the Los Angeles Metro system – an underground subway line (Metro red line) and a ground-level light-rail line (Metro gold line). The campaign goals were to: 1) determine personal PM exposure of commuters of both lines, and 2) measure and compare PM concentrations at station platforms and inside the train. Considering that a commuter typically spent 75% of time inside the train and 25% of time waiting at a station, subway commuters were exposed on average to PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations that were 1.9 and 1.8 times greater than the light-rail commuters. The average PM10 concentrations for the subway line at station platforms and inside the train were 78.0 μg m−3 and 31.5 μg m−3, respectively; for the light-rail line, corresponding PM10 concentrations were 38.2 μg m−3 and 16.2 μg m−3. Regression analysis demonstrated that personal exposure concentrations for the light-rail line are strongly associated with ambient PM levels (R2 = 0.61), while PM concentrations for the subway line are less influenced by ambient conditions (R2 = 0.38) and have a relatively stable background level of about 21 μg m−3. Our findings suggest that local emissions (i.e., vehicular traffic, road dust) are the main source of airborne PM for the light-rail line. The subway line, on the other hand, has an additional source of PM, most likely generated from the daily operation of trains. Strong inter-correlation of PM10 between the train and station microenvironments shows that airborne PM at stations are the main source of PM inside the trains for both lines (R2 = 0.91 and 0.81 for subway and light-rail line, respectively). In addition, PM2.5 and coarse PM (PM10-2.5) are also strongly correlated for the subway line (R2 = 0.89) and the light-rail line (R2 = 0.52–0.92), suggesting that PM2.5 and coarse PM originate from a common source. Finally, in comparison to worldwide subway systems, the L.A. Metro system is relatively ’clean’. Since the system is comparatively new (in operation since 1993), its ventilation system and braking technology are probably more efficient and more advanced than older subway systems.

Particulate matter dynamics and transformations in a recirculating aquaculture system: application of stable isotope tracers in seabass rearing

The control of adverse effects and the possibility of removing suspended solids from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are the principal challenges facing aquaculture engineers. However, their dynamics and transformations are not yet well known. In this study, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes values (δ13C and δ15N) were used as tracers of particulate matter in a seabass RAS. An isotopic mixing model was employed to estimate the contributions of particulate sources. Feed (−22.1‰ for δ13C and 11.9‰ for δ15N), feces (−24.0‰ for δ13C and 6.4‰ for δ15N) and biofilm (−25.1‰ for δ13C and 12.9‰ for δ15N) were identified as main sources of particulate matter. The particle traps collected a mixing of 29% of uneaten feed and 71% of feces, when drum filter eliminated all remaining uneaten feed, shifting the isotopic signatures of suspended solids from −23.8 and 7.9‰ to −24.9 and 8.3‰ for δ13C and δ15N, respectively. The fish muscle (−18.6‰ for δ13C and 15.4‰ for δ15N) could reflect the isotopic variability of feed ingredients accumulated over time. The isotopic shifts indicate that the contribution of three sources depends on: (1) fish metabolism; (2) water treatment devices; and (3) bacterial bio-fouling into biofilter.

First assessment of the PM10 and PM2.5 particulate level in the ambient air of Belgrade city.

As the strong negative health effect of exposure to the inhalable particulate matter PM10 in the urban environment has been confirmed, the study of the mass concentrations, physico-chemical characteristics, sources, as well as spatial and temporal variation of atmospheric aerosol particles becomes very important. This work is a pilot study to assess the concentration level of ambient suspended particulate matter, with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 microm, in the Belgrade central urban area. Average daily concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 have been measured at three representative points in the city between June 2002 and December 2002. The influence of meteorological parameters on PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations was analyzed, and possible pollution sources were identified. Suspended particles were collected on Pure Teflon filters by using a Mini-Vol low-volume air sampler (Airmetrics Co., Inc.; 5 l min(-1) flow rate). Particle mass was determined gravimetrically after 48 h of conditioning in a desiccator, in a Class 100 clean room at the temperature T = 20 degrees C and at about 50% constant relative humidity (RH). Analysis of the PM10 data indicated a marked difference between season without heating--(summer; mean value 56 microg m(-3)) and heating season--(winter; mean value 96 microg m3); 62% of samples exceeded the level of 50 microg m(-3). The impact of meteorological factors on PM concentrations was not immediately apparent, but there was a significant negative correlation with the wind speed. The PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentrations in the Belgrade urban area had high average values (77 microg m(-3) and 61 microg m(-3)) in comparison with other European cities. The main sources of particulate matter were traffic emission, road dust resuspension, and individual heating emissions. When the air masses are coming from the SW direction, the contribution from the Obrenovac power plants is evident. During days of exceptionally severe pollution, in both summer and winter periods, high production of secondary aerosols occurred, as can be seen from an increase in PM2.5 in respect to PM10 mass concentration. The results obtained gave us the first impression of the concentration level of particulate matter, with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 microm, in the Belgrade ambient air. Due to measured high PM mass concentrations, it is obvious that it would be very difficult to meet the EU standards (EEC 1999) by 2010. It is necessary to continue with PM10 and PM2.5 sampling; and after comprehensive analysis which includes the results of chemical and physical characterization of particles, we will be able to recommend effective control measures in order to improve air quality in Belgrade.

Air Pollution Investigation in Vitória Metropolitan Region, ES, Brazil

The application of Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis and PIXE in the characterization of the particulate matter in atmospheric aerosols in Metropolitan Region of Vitoria (MRV), Brazil have been investigated. The main sources of particulate matter, natural, industrial and antropogenic from human activities, have been studied to identify its contribution in the atmospheric particles. During the years 1995 to 1999 samples of total suspended particles (TSP, O ≤ 100 μm) were collected from four points within MRV. The inhalable particles (PM10 O ≤ 10 μm) and sedimented particles (SP) were also collected from the same region. A receptor modeling was used for the identification of the source of particulate matter in the collected urban aerosol.

Industrial Responsibility in the Emission of Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere

The present investigation consists of the application of several techniques such as Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption, electron probe micro analysis (EPMA), and thermo-gravimetric analysis, to the identification of the particulate matter in atmospheric aerosols in the metropolitan region of Vitoria (MRV), ES, Brazil. The main sources of particulate matter and its emission characteristics within the steel industry have been studied to identify its contribution to air particles in Vitoria region. The analysis reveals the total amount of industrial emission of the iron containing components in the atmosphere. The presence of goethite, hematite, magnetite, pyrite, silicates, marine chloride and total absence of heavy metals could be confirmed.

Study of regional and long-range transport in an Alpine station by PIXE analysis of aerosol particles

A field campaign on particulate matter concentration and composition was carried out at the Stelvio National Park in the Italian Alps. The PIXE technique, thanks to its high sensitivity at low particulate level, allowed the determination of several element concentrations for a large set of 24 h samples. A statistical analysis of elemental concentration time series points out the main sources of particulate matter: soil dust, secondary sulphates, vehicular emission, oil combustion, and industrial emissions. Time variation of S concentration in relation with some meteorological parameters evidenced a nonlocal contribution due to regional transport. Some episodic long-range transport events of Saharan dust across the Mediterranean sea, confirmed by air mass trajectory reconstruction, were evidenced in spring.

The land use, ecology and conservation of Broadland: M. George, (Packard, Chichester), ISBN (hardback) 1 85341 047 0, 1992, 558 pp, index

It has already been proven that trees and shrubs, can efficiently remove particulate matter (PM) from air. However, almost nothing is known about PM accumulation by herbaceous plants (grasses and forbs) found in urban meadows. Meadows, unlike trees and shrubs, can be located close to roads, one of the main sources of PM in cites. The aim of this study was to investigate the tolerance to urban condition and PM accumulation in the immediate roads vicinity of selected plants species in urban meadows. PM accumulation of annual and perennial meadows was compared with that of lawns. Results were interpreted in the context of species composition, biomass production, soil conditions and ambient PM concentrations. Of the species grown in annual meadows, the highest PM accumulation was found in Achillea millefolium L., Chenopodium album L. and Echium vulgare L., while Centaurea scabiosa L., Echium vulgare L. and Convolvulus arvensis L. accumulated the largest amounts of PM in perennial meadows. PM deposition on plants was positively correlated with a feathery leaf shape. For species in the annual meadows, a positive correlation was also found between PM accumulation and the wax content on plants. The presence of hairs on leaves, leaf size and plant growth pattern had no effect on PM deposition on plants. PM accumulation in one square metre of urban meadow was on average greater than that of lawn, regardless of meadow species' composition, age and location. The greatest accumulation of PM was found in a perennial meadow with low biodiversity but the greatest biomass. It would appear that the biomass produced by meadows and canopy structure has a crucial impact on the amount of PM accumulated by meadow plants. The results obtained indicate that meadows could be an important element of nature-based solutions for mitigating air pollution in urbanised areas.

Ambient air concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fluoride, suspended particles and particulate carbon in areas near aluminum production plants

Concentrations of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), fluoride, suspended particles and particulate carbon were determined in four different residential areas near aluminum industries. Two of the areas were exposed to pollutants from primary aluminum production, the third area was close to a plant manufacturing electrodes for the aluminum industry while the fourth area received pollutants from the production of aluminum as well as electrodes. The sampling time was 24 h and the samples were collected every eighth day for about 16 months. The concentrations of PAH were high compared to levels in other polluted areas with industry and dense traffic. The average concentrations for benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) were above 10 ngm −3, which has been proposed as a guideline in some countries, at all sites. The highest air concentration of BaP measured in the present study was 160 ng m −3. At two of the stations the fluoride concentrations exceeded the 24-h national guideline of 25 μgm −3, which has been set to protect human health. In a few cases the concentrations of suspended particles were high while the levels of carbon agreed with concentrations reported in urban and residential areas in U.S.A. The concentrations varied with time and the variation was caused mainly by the changes of the meteorological conditions. The frequency distributions were skew for all components and close to logarithmic normal. PAH were well correlated with fluoride, which is an aluminum production tracer, indicating that they are of the same origin. The aluminum industry did not seem to be the main source of particulate matter and carbon in air. Apportionment studies of the organic pollutants were carried out by cluster analysis, and the results showed that the aluminum production is the main source to the PAH in ambient air in these areas.