Mass Concentrations Of TSP Research Articles

Exploratory investigation on the suppression efficiency of fugitive dust emitted from coal stockpile: Comparison of innovative atomizing and traditional spraying technologies

This research applied two suppression technologies of atomizing dust suppression (ADS) and spraying dust suppression (SDS) to eliminate fugitive dust emitted from coal stockpiles and further investigated their optimal operating parameters. In field tests, the mass concentrations of TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 were simultaneously measured at both upwind and downwind sites of a simulated coal stockpile to determine the suppression efficiency of fugitive dust. High concentrations of fugitive dust were observed under a strong wind speed of 10 m/s, particularly for particle sizes larger than 7 μm. Overall, the suppression efficiencies of fugitive dust by ADS (75.50–88.17 %) were always higher than those by SDS (70.70–84.50 %). Fine mist atomized by ADS covered a wider surface area of the coal stockpiles and captured more dust in the air than SDS. The suppression efficiencies of fugitive dust for intermittent watering (82.81 %) were higher than those for continuous watering (77.75 %). Intermittent watering could maintain a protective moisture layer over the entire surface of coal stockpiles, thus extending the drying time of moisture from the coal stockpiles. The optimal operating parameter for ADS was intermittent atomizing at an angle of 30°, while that for SDS was intermittent spraying at an angle of 45°.

Determination and analysis of trace metals and surfactant in air particulate matter during biomass burning haze episode in Malaysia

Trace metal species and surface active agent (surfactant) emitted into the atmosphere from natural and anthropogenic source can cause various health related and environmental problems. Limited data exists for determinations of atmospheric particulate matter particularly trace metals and surfactant concentration in Malaysia during biomass burning haze episode. We used simple and validated effective methodology for the determination of trace metals and surfactant in atmospheric particulate matter (TSP & PM2.5) collected during the biomass burning haze episode in Kampar, Malaysia from end of August to October 2015. Colorimetric method of analysis was undertaken to determine the concentration of anionic surfactant as methylene blue active substance (MBAS) and cationic surfactant as disulphine blue active substance (DBAS) using a UV–Visible spectrophotometer. Particulate samples were also analyzed for trace metals with inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) followed by extraction from glass microfiber filters with close vessel microwave acid digestion. The result showed that the concentrations of surfactant in both samples (TSP & PM2.5) were dominated by MBAS (0.147–4.626 mmol/m3) rather than DBAS (0.111–0.671 mmol/m3) and higher than the other researcher found. Iron (147.31–1381.19 μg/m3) was recorded leading trace metal in PM followed by Al, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr and others. During the haze period the highest mass concentration of TSP 313.34 μg/m3 and 191.07 μg/m3 for PM2.5 were recorded. Furthermore, the backward air trajectories from Kampar in north of peninsular Malaysia confirmed that nearly all the winds paths originate from Sumatera and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

서울시 대기 중 초미세먼지 (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) 질량과 화학성분 농도의 장기 변동 추이

The literature data of the mass concentrations of TSP, , and , and chemical composition of (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, OC, and EC) from 1985 and 2013 at Seoul were collected and the temporal trends were discussed in relation with the policy directions. Generally, the mass concentrations of TSP, , and at Seoul have showed decreasing trends. However, it is not clear what might be the major reason(s) for the trends. The concentrations of ionic component in showed different trends, sulfate being reduced during the 1990s but no trend during the 2000s. The concentrations of nitrate and ammonium were increasing during the 2000s. The concentrations of OC show no apparent trend while that of EC decreased. Further policy directions are suggested based on the temporal trends of the chemical composition in .

Evaluation of Policy Influence on Long-Term Indoor Air Quality in Emperor Qin’s Terra-Cotta Museum, China

Long-term measurement results of indoor air quality (IAQ) from 1989 to 2013 inside Pit No. 1, the largest display hall in Emperor Qin’s Terra-cotta Museum (QTM), were used to evaluate the effectiveness of measures for conservation environment improvement of antiques. By comparing the results of sampling campaigns in 2013 with databases in 1989, 2004–2005, 2006–2007 and 2011, seasonal and inter-annual variation in microclimate, aerosol chemical compositions and gaseous pollutant concentrations were incorporated in estimating the probable influences of the management of the surroundings, tourist flow, excavation and restoration tasks and renovation and/or new construction work on IAQ in the QTM. After the implementation of the environmental policies in 1990s, a significant decrease of indoor particulate matter mass for the QTM was quantified. The mass concentrations of summer TSP decreased from 540.0 μg∙m−3 in 1994 to 172.4 μg∙m−3 in 2004, as well as the winter TSP decreased from 380.0 μg∙m−3 in 1994 to 312.5 μg∙m−3 in 2005. The mass concentrations of summer PM2.5 decreased from 108.4 μg∙m−3 in 2004 to 65.7 μg∙m−3 in 2013, as well as the winter PM2.5 decreased from 242.3 μg∙m−3 in 2005 to 98.6 μg∙m−3 in 2013. However, it is noted that potential hazards due to the fluctuant microclimate conditions, gaseous and secondary particulate acidic species in indoor air should still be considered to ensure the long-term preservation and conservation of the museum’s artifact collection.

Mass concentration and composition of TSP in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China

Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and dust fall concentrations in the ambient air of Kashgar, Xinjiang, were measured in a field campaign. The results revealed that the high levels of TSP and dust fall among literature were reported in data. TSP and dust fall showed the similar monthly variations. Monthly TSP level in air ranged between 304.0 and 2030.6 μg/m3, and dust fall loadings varied from 8.6 to 248.1 g/m2 during the field campaign. Wind speed and direction were identified to be the most important meteorological factor affecting the concentrations of TSP. Central Asia and the Tarim Basin were identified to be the two major source regions from where TSP and dust were transported to Kashgar by both westerly and easterly winds. The dominant anion in TSP was SO4 2−, followed by Cl−, NO3 −, and F−. The dominant cation in sampled TSP was Ca2+, followed by Na+, K+, NH4+, and Mg2+. The principle component analysis showed that the first principal component (PC1) of the ion in TSP samples from the Kashgar region accounted for 44.81 % of total data variance, and the second principal component (PC2) accounted for 18.65 %. Mg2+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, NO3 −, SO4 2−, and Cl− have greater loadings in the PC1, and Cl− and NH4 + have greater loadings in the PC2. This study suggests that desert dust, earth crust, soil, and anthropogenic activities such as fossil fuel combustion were the main sources of TSP in the Kashgar area.

3 Fractional and chemical composition of dust in the working area of machine building enterprise

ObjectivesThe purpose of the research is the study of dust fractional and chemical composition and exposure assessment in workplaces of the machine building enterprises.MethodsResearch carried out on the example of...

SEM-EDX Characterization of Individual Coarse Particles in Agra, India

Aerosol samples were collected during winter and summer season in Agra, India. The mass concentrations of TSP ranged from 206.1–380.5 μg/m3 with the average concentration of 306.1 μg/m3. The seasonal average concentrations of TSP were 273.4 ± 85.5 μg/m3 in summer and 338.6 ± 89.1 μg/m3 in winter. The high levels of mass concentration during winter may be attributed to different emission sources and meteorological conditions at this time of year. The morphology, size and elemental composition of individual aerosol particles were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray system (EDX). The particles analyzed in the study were mostly of large size, with equivalent diameters ranging from 2 to 70 μm. Based on the results of the elemental composition and morphology, 3,500 particles were classified into three groups: biogenic aerosol, geogenic and anthropogenic particles. Different groups of particles have varied morphologies. The soil related aerosols were dominant during the sampling period, showing that crustal materials are the primary contributor to airborne particles at this site. A distinct seasonal variation in the amount of carbonaceous particles was observed. The significant increase in mineral dust particles found during summer may be attributed to the contribution of dust storms, which is also supported by a trajectory cluster analysis.

Vertical distribution characteristics of dust aerosol mass concentration in the Taklimakan Desert hinterland

The different height mass concentrations of dust aerosol data from the atmosphere environment observation station (Tazhong Station) was continuously observed by instruments of Grimm 1.108, Thermo RP 1400a and TSP from January of 2009 to February of 2010 in the Taklimakan Desert hinterland. Results show that: (1) The mass concentration value of 80 m PM10 was higher, but PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentrations at 80 m was obviously lower than 4 m PM10, and the value of 80 m PM1.0 mass concentration was the lowest. (2) The PM mass concentrations gradually decreased from night to sunrise, with the lowest concentration at 08:00, with the mass concentration gradually increased, up to the highest concentration around 18:00, and then decreased again. It was exactly the same with the changes of wind speed. (3) The high monthly average mass concentration of TSP mainly appeared from March to September, and the highest concentration was in April and May, subsequently gradually decreased. Also, March–September was a period with high value area of PM monthly average mass concentration, with the highest monthly average mass concentration of 846.0 μg/m 3 for 4 m PM10 appeared in May. The concentration of PM10 was much higher than those of PM2.5 and PM1.0 at 80 m. There is a small difference between the concentration of PM2.5 and PM1.0. Dust weather was the main factor which influenced the concentration content of the different diameter dust aerosol, and the more dust weather days, the higher content of coarse particle, conversely, fine particle was more. (4) The mass concentration of different diameter aerosols had the following sequence during dust weather: clear day < blowing dust < floating and blowing dust < sandstorm. In different dust weather, the value of PM10/TSP in fine weather was higher than that in floating weather, and much higher than those in blowing dust and sandstorm weather. (5) During the dust weather process, dust aerosol concentration gradually decreased with particle size decreasing. The dust aerosol mass concentration at different heights and diameter would have a peak value area every 3–4 days according to the strengthening process of dust weather.

2011년 동아시아에서 기류의 이동 경로에 따른 청원에서 측정한 에어로졸 질량 농도 및 원소 성분 분석

This study analyzed mass concentrations of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 and elemental constituents according to the isentropic backward trajectories of air parcel from Cheongwonin East Asia during the period January - October, 2011. Mass concentrations of the continental polluted airflow (CP) showed levels of TSP and PM10 mass concentrations higher than the continental background airflow (CB). Also, PM2.5 mass concentrations of anthropogenic fine particles ran higher in CP than in CB. The elemental constituents and elemental constituent ratio ended up varying depending on the origin of atmospheric aerosols generated. The average absolute content of elemental constituents reached its height in CB, the ratio of anthropogenically originating elements (PE) among the all elements (AE) analyzed marked a high in CP, and Mg+Na/AE reached its height in the oceanic airflow (OA). At the same time, TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentrations, the ratio of PM2.5/TSP and PE/AE element ratio ran higher in CP than CB. Episodes of large-scale transport of atmospheric pollutants as observed at Cheongwon were 8 cases and 22 days. The ratios of PM10, PM2.5 among TSP mass concentrations showed different results and the ratios of PM2.5 showed an increasing trend in the episodes of anthropogenic air pollution transport. Overall, dustfall episodes show a level of elemental constituents higher than those of anthropogenic air pollution.Dustfall episodes were observed to contain more of Fe, Al and Ca originating from continental soils and those of air pollution were observed to contain more of Zn, Mn, Cu and Pb. By difference in contents of absolute elemental constituents, episodes of anthropogenic air pollution showed a high PE/AE rate, and dustfall episodes a high SE/AE rate.

Assessment of Noise and Heavy Metals (Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb) in the Ambience of the Production Line for Recycling Waste Printed Circuit Boards

The crush-pneumatic separation-corona electrostatic separation production line provides a feasible method for industrialization of waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) recycling. To determine the potential environmental contamination in the automatic line workshop, noise and heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb) in the ambience of the production line have been evaluated in this paper. The mean noise level in the workshop has been reduced from 96.4 to 79.3 dB since the engineering noise control measures were employed. Noise whose frequency ranged from 500 to 1000 Hz is controlled effectively. The mass concentrations of TSP and PM(10) in the workshop are 282.6 and 202.0 μg/m(3), respectively. Pb (1.40 μg/m(3)) and Cu (1.22 μg/m(3)) are the most enriched metals in TSP samples followed by Cr (0.17 μg/m(3)) and Cd (0.028 μg/m(3)). The concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cr, and Cd in PM(10) are 0.88, 0.56, 0.12, and 0.88 μg/m(3), respectively. Among the four metals, Cr and Pb are released into the ambience of the automatic line more easily in the crush and separation process. Health risk assessment shows that noncancerous effects might be possible for Pb (HI = 1.45), and noncancerous effects are unlikely for Cr, Cu, and Cd. The carcinogenic risks for Cr and Cd are 3.29 × 10(-8) and 1.61 × 10(-9), respectively. It indicates that carcinogenic risks on workers are relatively light in the workshop. These findings suggest that this technology is advanced from the perspective of environmental protection in the waste PCBs recycling industry.

Chemical characterization of aerosols at the summit of Mountain Tai in Central East China

Abstract. PM2.5 and TSP samples were collected at the summit of Mountain Tai (MT) (1534 m a.s.l.) in spring 2006/2007 and summer 2006 to investigate the characteristics of aerosols over central eastern China. For comparison, aerosol samples were also collected at Tazhong, Urumqi, and Tianchi in Xinjiang in northwestern China, Duolun and Yulin in northern China, and two urban sites in the megacities, Beijing and Shanghai, in 2007. Daily mass concentrations of TSP and PM2.5 ranged from 39.6–287.6 μg m−3 and 17.2–235.7 μg m−3 respectively at the summit of MT. Averaged concentrations of PM2.5 showed a pronounced seasonal variation with higher concentration in summer than spring. 17 water-soluble ions (SO42−, NO3−, Cl−, F−, PO43−, NO2−, CH3COO−, CH2C2O42−, C2H4C2O42−, HCOO−, MSA, C2O42−, NH4+, Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+), and 19 elements of all samples were measured. SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+ were the major water-soluble species in PM2.5, accounting for 61.50 % and 72.65 % of the total measured ions in spring and summer, respectively. The average ratio of PM2.5/TSP was 0.37(2006) and 0.49(2007) in spring, while up to 0.91 in summer, suggesting that aerosol particles were primarily comprised of fine particles in summer and of considerable coarse particles in spring. Crustal elements (e.g., Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, etc.) showed higher concentration in spring than summer, while most of the pollution species (SO42−, NO3−, K+, NO2−, NH4+, Cl−, organic acids, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr) from local/regional anthropogenic emissions or secondary formation presented higher concentration in summer. The ratio of Ca/Al suggested the impact of Asian dust from the western deserts on the air quality in this region. The high concentration of K+ in PM2.5 (4.41 μg m−3) and its good correlation with black carbon (r = 0.90) and oxalic acid (r = 0.87) suggested the severe pollution from biomass burning, which was proved to be a main source of fine particles over central eastern China in summer. The contribution of biomass burning to the fine particle at MT accounted for 7.56 % in spring and 36.71 % in summer, and even reached to 81.58 % on a day. As and Pb were two of the most enriched elements. The long-range transport of aerosols spread the heavy pollution from coal-mining/coal-ash to everywhere over China. Anthropogenic air-pollution was evidently rather severe at MT, though it has been declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage site.

2008년 동아시아 대륙으로부터 기원이 다른 먼지와 인위적 오염 입자의 광역적 이동 사례에 대한 분석

In 2008, multiple episodes of large-scale transport of natural airborne particles and anthropogenically affected particles from different sources in the East Asian continent were identified in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite RGB-composite images and the mass concentrations of ground level particulate matters. To analyze the aerosol size distribution during the large-scale transport of atmospheric aerosols, both aerosol optical depth (AOD; proportional to the aerosol total loading in the vertical column) and fine aerosol weighting (FW; fractional contribution of fine aerosol to the total AOD) of Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol products were used over the East Asian region. The six episodes of massive natural airborne particles were observed at Cheongwon, originating from sandstorms in northern China, Mongolia and the loess plateau of China. The PM and PM stood at 70% and 16% of the total mass concentration of TSP, respectively. However, the mass concentration of PM among TSP increased as high as 23% in the episode in which they were flowing in by way f the industrial area in east China. In the other five episodes of anthropogenically affected particles that flowed into the Korean Peninsula from east China, the mass concentrations of PM and PM among TSP reached 82% and 65%, respectively. The average AOD for the large-scale transport of anthropogenically affected particle episodes in the East Asian region was measured at 0.42±0.17 compared with AOD (0.36±0.13) for the natural airborne particle episodes. Particularly, the regions covering east China, the Yellow Sea, the Korean Peninsula, and the east Korean sea were characterized by high levels of AOD. The average FW values observed during the event of anthropogenically affected aerosols (0.63±0.16) were moderately higher than those of natural airborne particles (0.52±0.13). This observation suggests that anthropogenically affected particles contribute greatly to the atmospheric aerosols in East Asia.

Investigating out-of-specification test results of mass concentration of total suspended particulates in air based on metrological concepts—a case study

A metrological approach is used for investigating out-of-specification (OOS) test results of total suspended particulate matter (TSP) mass concentrations in ambient air. As a case study, 496 test results of mass concentration of TSP in ambient air were obtained according to methods of the Environmental Protection Agency, USA. The samples, collected in 2009, came from the same geographic proximity in three stone quarries located in Israel. Twenty of the test results were OOS test results that exceeded the upper limit specified in the national air quality regulations. Investigation of the OOS test results indicated the fact that only 10% of these results (two out of 20) can be decidedly interpreted as witnesses of violations of the national air quality regulations. The other 90% were probably metrologically related, i.e., compatible with the national air quality regulations when considering the measurement uncertainty associated with the test results. Probabilities of future OOS test results and global risks of the stone producer and the consumer, who is defined as an inhabitant near a quarry, were estimated. Acceptance limits, resembling “warning and action lines” used in quality control charts, for air test results were calculated by taking into account the measurement uncertainty.

2006 ~ 2008년 황사기간 중 천안시 대기 입자의 특성 변화

황사기간 중 천안시 대기 입자의 특성 변화를 파악하기 위해, Cascade Impactor를 장착한 High Volume Air Sampler를 이용하여 대기 시료를 채취하여, 대기 입자의 입경별 질량농도 및 이온, 금속 성분의 농도를 황사기간과 비황사기간에 비교 측정하였다. 황사기간 중 일평균 TSP, PM10, PM2.5 평균 농도가 각각 214.9, 160.3, 95.9<TEX>${\mu}\;g/m^3$</TEX>으로, 비황사기간에 비해 각각 평균 3.08, 2.58, 1.95배 증가하였으며, 최대 농도는 TSP, PM10, PM2.5가 각각 850.1, 534.4, 233.3<TEX>${\mu}\;g/m^3$</TEX>으로, 비황사기간에 비해 각각 12.19, 8.60, 4.76배까지 증가하였다. 황사기간 중 농도의 증가는 미세입자보다는 조대입자에서 현저하였으며, 미세입자와 조대입자 모두 수용성 이온성분의 증가는 미미한 반면, 토양의 주요 구성 성분인 Fe, Al, Ti의 증가가 뚜렷이 관측되어, 토양구성 금속성분이 황사기간 중 입자 농도 증가의 주요원인 물질임을 확인할 수 있었다. Changes in aerosol characteristics during 2006 <TEX>${\sim}$</TEX>2008 Asian dust events in Cheoan were investigated by measuring mass, ion and elemental concentrations of fine and coarse particles. The average mass concentrations of daily TSP, PM10, PM2.5 were 214.9, 160.3, and 95.9<TEX>${\mu}\;g/m^3$</TEX>during Asian dust events, which were 3.08, 2.58, and 1.95 times higher than Non-asian dust events. The maximum concentrations of TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 were 850.1, 534.4, and 233.3<TEX>${\mu}\;g/m^3$</TEX>, which were 12.19, 8.60, and 4.76 times higher, respectively. Increases in ion concentrations were not significant during Asian dust events, but elemental concentrations including soil components such as Fe, Al, Ti increased by 17.1 and 43.4 times for fine and coarse particles, respectively. The results clearly indicate that metallic components from soil constituents were the major components in Asian dusts sampled at Cheonan.

Average mass concentrations of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 in Erzurum urban atmosphere, Turkey

In this study, particulate matters (TSP, PM10, PM2.5 and PM10–2.5) which are hazardous for environment and human health were investigated in Erzurum urban atmosphere at a sampling point from February 2005 to February 2006. During sampling, two low volume samplers were used and each sampling period lasted approximately 24 h. In order for detection of representative sampling region and point of Erzurum, Kriging method was applied to the black smoke concentration data for winter seasons. Mass concentrations of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 of Erzurum urban atmosphere were measured on average, as 129, 31 and 13 μg/m3, respectively, in the sampling period. Meteorological factors, such as temperature, wind speed, wind direction and rainfall were typically found to be affecting PMs, especially PM2.5. Air temperature did not seem to be significantly affecting TSP and PM10 mass concentrations, but had a considerably negative induction on PM2.5 mass concentrations. However, combustion sourced PM2.5 was usually diluted from the urban atmosphere by the speed of wind, soil sourced coarse mode particle concentrations (TSP, PM10) were slightly affected by the speed of wind. Rainfall was found to be decreasing concentrations to 48% in all fractions (TSP, PM10, PM10–2.5, PM2.5) and played an important role on dilution of the atmosphere. Fine mode fraction of PM (PM2.5) showed significant daily and seasonal variations on mass concentrations. On the other hand, coarse mode fractions (TSP, PM10 and PM10–2.5) revealed more steady variations. It was observed that fine mode fraction variations were affected by the heating in residences during winter seasons.

Mass closure of total suspended particles over the coal burning power production area of western Macedonia, Greece

Ambient suspended particles (TSP) were collected from January to June 2001 at seven sampling sites in western Macedonia, Greece, where four thermal power stations are located. TSP samples were chemically characterized for minerals (Fe, Al, Mg, Ca, K, Ti and Si), trace elements (P, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, V, Zn, Te, Co, Ni, Se, Sr, As, and Sb), water-soluble ions \(\left( {{\text{Cl}}^ - {\text{, NO}}_{\text{3}}^ - {\text{, SO}}_{\text{4}}^{{\text{2}} - } {\text{, Na}}^{\text{ + }} {\text{, K}}^{\text{ + }} {\text{, NH}}_{\text{4}}^{\text{ + }} {\text{, Ca}}^{{\text{2 + }}} {\text{, Mg}}^{{\text{2 + }}} } \right)\), carbonaceous compounds (OC/EC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These classes of compounds were consequently compared with PM mass concentrations of TSP in order to perform mass closure. PM chemical compositions exhibited differences at the seven sites. Minerals were found to be more abundant at four sites, electrolytes dominated the composition at two of the sites while carbonaceous material was most abundant only at one site. The fraction unaccounted for ranged between 22 and 34%. Spatial variations of atmospheric concentrations showed significantly higher levels of minerals, some trace metals and TC at the site that was closest to the power plants. At the same site ions exhibited high correlations with minerals and the majority of trace elements.

Characterization of aerosol over the Northern South China Sea during two cruises in 2003

Atmospheric transport of trace elements has been found to be an important pathway for their input to the ocean. TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 aerosol samples were collected over the Northern South China Sea in two cruises in 2003 to estimate the input of aerosol from continent to the ocean. About 23 elements and 14 soluble ions in aerosol samples were measured. The average mass concentration of TSP in Cruise I in January (78 μg m −3) was ∼twice of that in Cruise II in April (37 μg m −3). Together with the crustal component, heavy metals from pollution sources over the land (especially from the industry and automobiles in Guangzhou) were transported to and deposited into the ocean. The atmospheric MSA concentrations in PM2.5 (0.048 μg m −3 in Cruise I and 0.043 μg m −3 in Cruise II) over Northern South China Sea were comparable to those over other coastal regions. The ratio of non-sea-salt (NSS)-sulfate to MSA is 103-655 for Cruise I and 15-440 for Cruise II in PM2.5 samples, which were much higher than those over remote oceans. The estimated anthropogenic sulfate accounts for 83–98% in Cruise I and 63–95% in Cruise II of the total NSS-sulfate. Fe (II) concentration in the aerosols collected over the ocean ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 μg m −3, accounting for 16–82% of the total iron in the aerosol, which could affect the marine biogeochemical cycle greatly.

Chemical characteristics of Asian dust aerosol from Hunshan Dake Sandland in Northern China

Abstract Dust aerosol was sampled at three sites in north China along the northern route of the dust events in spring 2001. Mass concentrations and concentrations of the chemical elements associated with aerosols were examined. The average mass concentration of TSP during the field period were 0.545 mg m −3 at Sanggen Dalai tall-tower station, 0.366 mg m −3 at Sanggen Dalai ground-based station, 0.360 mg m −3 at Beijing, and 2.778 mg m −3 at Sunite Zuoqi. The average concentrations of PM10 accounted for more than 61% of TSP loadings at all stations. The average concentrations of special crustal elements (Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn) in PM10 accounted for 65–86% of each of their loadings in TSP, and the average concentrations of important pollutant elements (Pb, Zn, Cu) in PM10 accounted for 63–79% of each of their loadings in TSP. During the dusty days with wind speeds rising, the aerosol mass loading severely increased, and the trend of chemical element increasing in dust particles was associated with the aerosol loading ascending. Crustal elements in aerosols were dominated by dust particles. The chemical elements of Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn and Ti in aerosols were derived more from Ca-rich soil than from sandy soil, but Ba and K were opposite. The pollutant elements of Cu, S, Pb, V and Zn associated with aerosols in Hunshan Dake Sandland were affected by the anthropogenic pollutant sources in upwind regions.

Carbonaceous species of TSP in urban and rural sites around coal-fired power stations in northwestern Greece

Total suspended particles from urban and rural locations around an industrial complex with four coal-fired power stations were collected for a period of 6 months (January–June 2001). Mass concentrations of TSP and carbonaceous species (TC, EC, OC and BC) were determined for seven sampling sites of the studied area. The contribution of TC mass to the total particle mass was similar for all sites with an average value of 12.36±1.27%. The fraction of elemental carbon (EC) was estimated between 32 and 46% of the total carbon (TC). The relationship between organic and elemental carbon showed the primary origin of organic carbon (direct emissions). The OC/BC ratio values were also considered in order to get information about the enrichment of aerosols in organic carbon. Four conditional categories out of the sampling site ‘collection were additionally extracted (“urban”, “rural”, “far” and “close” location to the power stations) and considered with respect to the values of the ratios OC/BC and OC/EC and the multiple correlation coefficients R2 for the concentrations of OC, BC and EC. It has been found that in some cases the correlation coefficients rather than the ratios could inform on the type of site.

Characterization of Atmospheric Aerosol over XiAn in the South Margin of the Loess Plateau, China

The mass concentrations of TSP, PM-10, several secondary aerosol species, and up to 20 elements were determined for bulk aerosol samples collected from four ground-based monitoring sites in XiAn, China. The samples were collected during four seasons from September 1996 to August 1997; and in July 1998. Daily concentrations of TSP, SO 2 and NO x from 1995 to 1997 were also obtained from the same sampling sites. Representative concentrations (annual averages) of TSP, SO 2 and NO x were 410, 39, 43 μg m −3, respectively. PM-10 accounted for about 60–70% of TSP in summer 1998. The most abundant elements in the samples were Si, Ca, Al, Fe, Cl, P, K and S. A fraction of the Ca, which in typically associated with dust, was from non-crustal sources, especially in coarse particles. In winter, the element with the highest concentration was S, and it was primarily in the form of sulfate. The seasonal mean sulfate concentrations, averaged over all sites, were 100, 340, 59 and 27 μg SO 2− 4 m −3 for autumn, winter, spring and summer, respectively. The corresponding loadings of ammonium ion were 49, 140, 40 and 17 μg NH 4 + m −3 for the same seasons and those for nitrate were 22, 65, 33, 16 μg NO 3 − m −3. Dispersed sources of coal-combustion (most likely residential heating), as opposed to stationary point sources, evidently play an important role in the large increases in TSP and three-fold increases in sulfate, nitrate and ammonium loading during XiAn's space-heating season.