Soil Dust Research Articles

Reconstructing the late Quaternary soil erosion and dust deposition dynamics in the southern Loess Plateau: Insights from Lake Luyanghu sedimentary records

Investigating the history of wind-dust deposition and soil erosion is crucial for understanding the relationship between geomorphologic formation, monsoon evolution and the current state of soil erosion on the Loess Plateau. This study utilizes a 50-m sedimentary record from Lake Luyanghu (LYH) in the southern Loess Plateau. We developed a chronological framework using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and stratigraphic comparisons. By applying end-member modeling of grain size, we identified various sediment sources and quantitatively reconstructed the dust deposition fluxes and soil erosion modulus during the late Quaternary. Additionally, we examined the patterns of sediment source evolution with environmental changes at LYH. Our findings reveal that dust constitutes an average of 32.3% of the lake sediments, with an average deposition rate of 40.2 g/cm2/ka. Notably, after the Last Glacial period, dust deposition became the dominant component of the lake sediment. During the Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 5b, 5d, 4 and 2, enhanced dry climatic conditions, decreased vegetation cover and composition, leading to significant soil erosion. Based on the results of this research, future studies should aim to reconstruct the watershed's erosion and deposition processes throughout geological periods by integrating aspects of lake evolution, such as water levels and developmental stages.

Affecting factors and health risks of organophosphate esters in urban soil and surface dust in a typical river valley city based on local bivariate Moran's I and Monte-Carlo simulation

Affecting factors and health risks of organophosphate esters in urban soil and surface dust in a typical river valley city based on local bivariate Moran's I and Monte-Carlo simulation

Isolation and characterization of a resistance Bacillus subtilis for soil stabilization and dust alleviation purposes

Dust poses environmental, geological, health, and economic concerns, and microorganisms can help mitigate these adverse consequences by improving soil properties. Microbial calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been found to be an efficient strategy for increasing soil strength, reducing soil porosity, and preventing erosion; however, severe environmental conditions such as pH and high temperatures may impede this process. To identify the best strain for MICP, 60 bacteria strains were obtained from arid soils using the enrichment culture technique. They were tested for the capacity of calcium carbonate deposition and biocement synthesis in stress environments. Phenotypic characterization indicated that the majority of the bacterial isolates were gram-positive and rod-shaped, with strong catalase and oxidase enzyme activity. Furthermore, MALDI-TOF MS identification revealed that the isolates were from the Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the microstructures and composition of bacterial cement. The results represented that B. subtilis isolate S56 has a higher production yield and forms distinctive calcite crystals as a result of fast urease synthesis. B. subtilis isolate S56 can be applied in situ to reduce soil erosion and dust pollution. This study reveals the potential of the B. subtilis S56 strain for soil consolidation and dust prevention in harsh environments and has the prospect of promoting its application in desertification control and ecological restoration.

Human health risk assessment of metal contamination in cereals and pulses in the mica mining areas of Jharkhand, India

This study was carried to investigate the contamination levels of heavy in food crops (rice, wheat, maize, and pulses) grown in the vicinity of the mica mine in Jharkhand, India. Except for Pb and Zn in select places, the metal concentrations in the food crops were below the maximum allowed levels for food in India. The principal component analysis identified three components that accounted for 71.3 % of the variability in the data. The components that were retrieved indicated that soil, irrigation water, and air dust deposition could be the sources of metals in the food crops. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) of food crop consumption were used to highlight the potential health concerns associated with metal exposure. In several samples, local individuals' daily intakes of Pb was greater than the WHO's recommended daily intakes of these heavy metals. Taking into account the geometric mean of metal concentrations in food crops samples from the, the hazard index (HI) for the consumers was 10.28 which is far above unity. Pb, Co, and As were the primary contributors to the potential non-carcinogenic risk. The HI ranged from 7.22 to 18.29 across different locations, indicating a significant health risk to the consumers of locally grown food crops in the vicinity of the mica mining areas.

CHARACTERIZATION OF FINE CARBONACEOUS AEROSOLS FROM THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN: CONTRIBUTIONS OF FOSSIL AND NON-FOSSIL CARBON SOURCES

ABSTRACT In order to better characterise carbonaceous components in atmospheric aerosols and to assess the contributions of fossil carbon (FC) and non-fossil carbon (NFC) sources and their seasonality in the Eastern Mediterranean, we collected fine (PM1.3) aerosols at a remote marine background site, the Finokalia Research Station, Crete, Greece, over a period of one-year. PM1.3 samples were analysed for elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), water-soluble OC (WSOC), and stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13CTC) and radiocarbon content (14CTC) (pMC) of total carbon (TC). All the parameters, i.e., PM1.3, δ13CTC and 14CTC showed a clear temporal pattern with higher values in summer and lower values in autumn. The 14CTC ranged from 54.7 to 99.1 pMC with an average of 74.5 pMC during the entire year. The FC content in TC (FCTC) was found to be slightly lower in winter and almost stable in other seasons, whereas the NFC contents (NFCTC) showed a clear seasonality with the highest level in summer followed by spring and the lowest level in winter. Based on these results together with the seasonal distributions of organic tracers, we found that biomass burning (BB) and soil dust are two major sources of the fine aerosols in winter. Although biogenic emissions of VOCs followed by subsequent secondary oxidation processes are significant in summer followed by spring and autumn, pollen is a significant contributor to TC in spring. This study showed that emissions from fossil fuel combustion are significant (25.5%) but minor compared to NFC sources in the eastern Mediterranean.

Source apportionment and health-risk assessment of PM2.5-bound elements in indoor/outdoor residential buildings in Chinese megacities

Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or smaller (PM2.5) in indoor environments originates from both indoor and outdoor sources, influencing associated human health risks through different compositions. This study simultaneously collected and analyzed indoor and outdoor PM2.5 samples in three major Chinese megacities—Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen—to characterize PM2.5 sources and assess their health impacts. A total of seven distinct sources, both indoor and outdoor, were identified for PM2.5: indoor activities, metal smelting, industrial activities, soil dust, vehicle emissions, coal combustion, and fuel oil combustion. Indoor activities accounted for approximately 20% of the residential indoor PM2.5, with the remainder predominantly due to outdoor PM2.5 infiltration. The contributions of indoor activities to noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks ranged from 3.6% to 28.5%, whereas outdoor PM2.5 sources posing greater health risks. The cumulative noncarcinogenic risks for adults in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen were 0.99, 1.15, and 0.72, respectively, slightly higher than those for children. The cumulative carcinogenic risks for adults were approximately five times those for children, with values of 6.90 × 10−5, 6.34 × 10−5, and 6.83 × 10−5, respectively, all surpassing the acceptable limit. Noncarcinogenic risks were predominantly attributed to Ni, Co, and Mn, contributing over 80% to the total risk, while Cr was the primary contributor (>89%) to carcinogenic risks. Indoor exposure accounting for over 80% of noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for adults, and exceeding 90% for children. This study provides significant insights into the effective control of PM2.5 pollution and the reduction of health risks from a source perspective.

Characterization and impact of airborne particulate matter over Varanasi: A year-long study on concentration, morphology, and elemental composition

Air pollution is an important worldwide issue, especially pronounced in metropolitan and suburban regions, significantly affecting both public health and surroundings. This study investigates the particles' morphology and elemental analysis in Varanasi, a highly inhabited metropolis in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The research was conducted over a year, from April 2019 to March 2020, utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Ion Chromatography, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy to analyse particulate matter. Results indicated that mean values of PM2.5 and PM10 were 106.5 ± 67.2μg/m³ and 180.8 ± 71.4 μg/m³, respectively. Often, these amounts exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. SEM-EDX analysis revealed diverse particle morphologies, with significant contributions from both manmade sources including industrial activities and vehicle emissions, and natural sources, like soil dust. Elemental analysis identified major components, including Carbon, Oxygen, Fluorine, Aluminium, and Silicon. IC analysis highlighted dominant ionic species, such as Ca++, SO4−-, NO3−, and Cl−, with monthly variations reflecting different emission sources. Heavy metals concentrations such as Ni, Cd, Cr, Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Fe were quantified, with concentrations varying significantly across months. The findings underscore the complex nature of aerosols in Varanasi and highlight the immediate need for targeted control over air quality measures to minimize the particulate matter's detrimental effects on the local population and ecosystem.

Measurement report: The Fifth International Workshop on Ice Nucleation phase 1 (FIN-01): intercomparison of single-particle mass spectrometers

Abstract. Knowledge of the chemical composition and mixing state of aerosols at a single-particle level is critical for gaining insights into atmospheric processes. One common tool to make these measurements is single-particle mass spectrometry. There remains a need to compare the performance of different single-particle mass spectrometers (SPMSs). An intercomparison of SPMSs was conducted at the Aerosol Interaction and Dynamics in the Atmosphere (AIDA) chamber at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in November 2014, as part of the first phase of the Fifth International Workshop on Ice Nucleation (FIN-01). In this paper we compare size distributions and mass spectra of atmospherically relevant particle types measured by five SPMSs. These include different minerals, desert and soil dusts, soot, bioaerosol (Snomax; protein granule), secondary organic aerosol (SOA), and SOA-coated mineral particles. Most SPMSs reported similar vacuum aerodynamic diameter (dva) within typical instrumental ranges from ∼100–200 nm (lower limit) to ∼2–3 µm (upper limit). In general, all SPMSs exhibited a wide dynamic range (up to ∼103) and high signal-to-noise ratio (up to ∼104) in mass spectra. Common spectral features with small diversities in mass spectra were found with high average Pearson's correlation coefficients, i.e., for average positive spectra ravg-pos=0.74 ± 0.12 and average negative spectra ravg-neg=0.67 ± 0.22. We found that instrument-specific detection efficiency (DE) was more dependent on particle size than particle type, and particle identification favored the use of bipolar, rather than monopolar, instruments. Particle classification from “blind experiments” showed that all instruments differentiated SOA, soot, and soil dust and detected subtle changes in the particle internal mixing but had difficulties differentiating among specific mineral types and dusts. This study helps to further understand the capabilities and limitations of the single-particle mass spectrometry technique in general and the specific performance of the instrument in characterizing atmospheric aerosol particles.

Toxicity factors, ecological and health risk assessments of heavy metal in the urban soil: a case study of an agro-machinery area in a developing country.

The contribution of heavy metals in surface soils by the influences of agro-machinery factories is a significant growing concern. Heavy metals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique to assess human and ecological risks. The concentrations of Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, As, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn in soil ranged from 18,274-22,652, 2.06-4.92, 24.8-41.9, 126.8-137.5, 9.20-25.2, 17.8-46.1, 114.4-183.1, 86.9-118.1, and 101.6-159.6mg/kg, respectively. The enrichment factor values of heavy metals were greater than 1.5, suggesting severe anthropogenic activities such as untreated waste discharging, burning of metallic wastes, wear, and tear, and dismantling of old batteries for heavy metals enrichment in studied soil. The contamination factor indicates considerable to very high contamination of heavy metals in soil. Moderate to high ecological risk was observed for analyzed metals which mainly originated from the maintenance and repairing of various engines in the workshop and welding and soldering of metallic substances. The target hazard quotient (THQ) was ranged from 6.99E-04 to 2.21E-01 for adults and 5.59E-03 to 1.82E + 00 for children, respectively; indicating children were more sensitive to heavy metals exposure from soil dust. The carcinogenic risk of As (1.72E-05) exceeded the USEPA acceptable limits indicating cancer risk to the residence. The current emphasized the significance of intensive heavy metals monitoring in surface soils around the agro-machinery areas due to their potential health risks associated with children.

Characteristics of Water-soluble Ion Pollution in PM2.5 and the Causes of High Acidity of PM2.5 in Dalian

To gain a deeper understanding of the pollution status and influencing factors of fine particles （PM2.5） and their water-soluble ions （WSI） in Dalian and to implement precise control of pollution events such as haze and acid rain, PM2.5 samples were collected in Dalian from June 2021 to May 2022. Then, the mass concentrations of PM2.5 and WSI were determined using the weight method and ion chromatography, respectively, and the pollution characteristics and sources were analyzed. Furthermore, the causes of the high acidity of PM2.5 in spring were discussed. The results showed that the annual average mass concentrations of PM2.5 and WSI in Dalian during the sampling period were （33.24 ±28.87） μg·m-3 and （18.66 ±20.52） μg·m-3, respectively, and the secondary ions （SNA, including SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+） accounted for the highest proportion of WSI [（86.2 ±9.3）%]. The order of ion concentration levels from highest to lowest was： NO3->SO42->NH4+>Cl->K+>Ca2+>Na+>Mg2+>F-. Due to the influence of meteorological conditions and coal combustion emissions during the concentrated heating period from late autumn to early spring, the seasonal variation in PM2.5 and WSI was winter>spring>autumn>summer, whereas SNA was the highest in spring and the lowest in summer. The results of correlation and principal component analysis showed that WSI in PM2.5 was mainly from the secondary transformation of atmospheric SO2 and NO2 （contributing to the majority of SNA）, mixed sources of combustion and dust （characterized by K+, Mg2+, Cl-, and F-）, and sources of sand and sea salt （characterized by Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+）. In summer, the main combustion source was biomass burning, whereas in autumn, winter, and spring, coal combustion emissions were predominant. The change in wind direction from autumn to winter brought by a shift from the source of sea salt to soil dust； additionally, the external pollution transported by northwest winds contributed to the complexity of the sources of WSI in PM2.5 during spring in Dalian. ISORROPIA-II model simulations suggested NH4NO3 as the most present solid aerosol form in PM2.5 in Dalian, followed by CaSO4 and （NH4）2SO4； compared to that in solid aerosols, more SNA existed in liquid aerosols. The annual average pH of PM2.5 in Dalian was 5.65 ±3.00, with pH values close to neutral in summer, autumn, and winter but significantly acidic in spring （2.03 ±3.18）. The high acidity observed in spring was attributed to the combination of low temperature, high humidity, and high SNA concentrations. These conditions resulted in higher aerosol water content and increased gas-to-particle conversion rates, ultimately leading to an ammonia-deficient environment. The backward trajectory and PSCF results indicated that the external transport of high acidity PM2.5 in spring mainly came from the northwest （45.0%） and southwest （40.8%） directions. Mobile source emissions made the most significant contribution to the transportation of pollutants in the former, forming high-pollution source areas in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, which may have been mainly related to urban motor vehicle and port vessel emissions； the latter was influenced by relatively strong stationary sources and showed higher SO2 emissions in the southern part of Henan Province and the central part of Jiangsu Province.

Source identification and human exposure assessment of organophosphate flame retardants and plasticisers in soil and outdoor dust from Nigerian e-waste dismantling and dumpsites

Electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling and dumpsite processes are major sources of organophosphate flame retardant and plasticiser emissions and may pose potentially adverse effects on environment and human health. In 20 outdoor dust and 49 soil samples collected from four e-waste dismantling and three e-waste dumpsites in two States of Nigeria (Lagos and Ogun), we identified 13 alternative plasticisers (APs), 7 legacy phthalate plasticisers (LPs), and 17 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) for the first time in African e-waste streams. In the samples from dismantling sites, the range (median) concentrations of ∑13APs, ∑7LPs, and ∑17OPFRs were 11 to 2747 μg/g (144 μg/g), 11 to 396 μg/g (125 μg/g), and 0.2 to 68 μg/g (5.5 μg), in dust respectively and 1.8 to 297 μg/g (55 μg/g), 1.3 to 274 μg/g (48.5 μg/g), and 1.6 to 62 μg/g (1.6 μg/g), in soil respectively. Results for soil samples from e-waste dumpsites were (6.6 to 195 μg/g (23.7 μg/g), 6.0 to 295 μg/g (54.8), and 0.4 to 42.3 μg/g (9.0 μg/g) for ∑13APs, ∑7LPs, and ∑17OPFRs respectively. Overall, concentrations of APs were significantly higher at the dismantling sites (p = 0.005) compared to dumpsites, levels of LPs were higher at dismantling sites but not significant, while OPFR concentrations were significantly higher in dumpsite samples (p = 0.005). Plasticisers were found to be major contributors to pollution at e-waste dismantling sites, while OPFRs were associated with both automobile dismantling and e-waste dumpsite processes. Following particle size fractionation of selected soil samples, higher concentrations of targeted compounds were observed in the smaller mesh (180 μm) soil sieve fraction. For dust, the total median estimated daily intake via ingestion and dermal adsorption (EDIing and EDIderm) ranged from 43 to 74 ng/kg bw/day and 0.4 to 0.7 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. Correspondingly, 4.6 to 45 ng/kg bw/day and 0.015 to 0.57 ng/kg bw/day were the values found for soil, respectively. According to these results, the targeted chemicals do not appear to pose a non-carcinogenic risk to e-waste workers through ingestion or dermal contact of bio-accessible fractions of the chemicals. Human biomonitoring campaigns are recommended in the Nigerian e-waste environment considering the elevated concentration levels found for the majority of targeted compounds and that risk parameters required for exposure assessment were only available for a limited number of compounds.

Influence of sources and atmospheric processes on metal solubility in PM2.5 in urban Guangzhou, South China

Water-soluble metals exert a significant influence on human and ecosystem health. In this study, a comprehensive investigation was undertaken to elucidate the solubilities of metals in PM2.5 and potential influencing factors during the dry season of 2019–2020 in urban Guangzhou, South China. The observed average solubility was <20 % for Al, Fe, Sn, and Ti; 20–40 % for V, Cr, Sb, Pb, and Ni; 40–60 % for Ba and Cu; and 60–80 % for Zn, As, Se, Cd, and Mn. Metals (Al, Ti, and Fe) originated from crustal sources (e.g., soil dust) have much lower solubilities than those (Mn, Zn, As, Se, Cd, and Ba) from fossil fuel combustion sources (e.g., traffic emission, coal combustion), suggesting the dominant role the metal sources played on solubility. Enhanced solubilities of Cu, As, Se, Cd, Sn, Sb, and Pb were associated with aerosol acidity, while those of V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Ba were linked to organic acid complexation. For the three crustal metals, the solubilities of Al and Ti primarily depended on aerosol acidity, whereas the solubility of Fe depended on both aerosol acidity under pH < 2 conditions and organic acid complexation under pH > 2 conditions. These findings underscore the primary influence of inherent properties of the metals on their solubility and reveal the varying impacts of atmospheric physicochemical processes, with changes in their solubilities being <10 % for Cd, Sn, Sb, and Pb, 10–20 % for Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Ba, and 20–30 % for As, Se, and Zn.

Spatially resolved chemical data for PM10 and oxidative potential source apportionment in urban-industrial settings

This study proposes the use of spatially resolved data to identify local sources contributing to PM10 mass concentration and OP in urban-industrial contexts. Over a 18-month monitoring campaign spanning from October 2020 to May 2022, a low-volume PM10 sampling device was employed at 12 sites in the Sacco River Valley, Italy. PM10 samples were analyzed for OP by applying the DTT, AA, and DCFH assays, and for 77 chemical parameters: the main chemical components (major elements, inorganic ions, EC, OC, levoglucosan) and the water-soluble and insoluble fractions of 28 elements. Source apportionment via PMF analysis on spatially resolved data revealed seven PM10 source contributions, notably biomass burning and soil dust. Biomass burning predominated in winter, while soil dust prevailed in summer. Spatial variability in source contributions was observed due to diverse biomass types, domestic heating, and proximity to the cement plant and transportation networks. Bubble maps and FPCA represented OP and PM10 source relationships, highlighting biomass burning as the main contributor to OPDTT and OPDCFH, while non-exhaust traffic contributed significantly to OPAA. Findings from this study provide valuable insights into planning effective air pollution mitigation policies aimed at enhancing air quality in urban-industrial contexts.

Temporal shifts in sources and composition of particulate metals in an environmental justice community: Impacts of continued emission reductions, COVID-19, and wildfires

In this study, we evaluated trends in the composition and source contributions of ambient particulate metals, many of which are toxic air contaminants, in Paramount, California. Paramount is an environmental justice community disproportionately impacted by air pollution from multiple emission sources near sensitive receptors. Concentrations of ambient metals bound to total suspended particulates (TSP) were measured hourly using a Xact 625 ambient metal monitor between 2017 and 2020. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model identified traffic, industry, and soil dust as major contributors. Results showed that contributions of traffic and soil dust noticeably declined during the COVID-19 lockdown period (March–April 2020) due to reduced human activities but reverted to normal levels within a few months. Industry-related factors, however, dropped significantly during this period and remained low throughout the year. Contributions from industry-related sources in Paramount began declining even before 2020, despite no similar trend in regional levels, implying local emission reductions. These reductions resulted from tariffs, decreased demand, regulatory actions by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and voluntary controls by local facilities. Consequently, Paramount is experiencing drastically lower levels of metals (up to 80%, depending on the metal and source) from metal-processing facilities and related sources. Moreover, we observed markedly elevated concentrations of several metals (e.g., Ba, Ca, Mn, K, etc.) during the unprecedented September 2020 wildfires that engulfed much of the western US, adding to the limited body of studies on this phenomenon and emphasizing the considerable impact of massive wildfires on ambient levels of particulate metals.

Inhibition of Soil Wind-Erosion and Dust by Shelterbelts in the Hilly Area of Loess Plateau and Its Influencing Factors

Inhibition of Soil Wind-Erosion and Dust by Shelterbelts in the Hilly Area of Loess Plateau and Its Influencing Factors

Seasonal variations of size-classified aerosol-bound elements in school environments and risk factors for the prevalence of atopic diseases among pupils

Five-stage Sioutas impactors were used to collect particulate matter (PM) in 4 classrooms and the playground of a school with various educational levels near the largest industrial chemical complex in Portugal. Monitoring was carried out over a total period of 8 weeks split equally between winter and spring. Samples were analysed for its elemental composition by PIXE. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in schoolchildren was assessed by applying the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) standardised questionnaire. The mass concentration of quasi-ultrafine particles (PM0.25) was higher in winter, but lower than those reported in other studies. Elements accounted for 15.3–17.3 % and 25.6–34.1 % of the total PM10 mass in winter and spring, respectively. Elements such as K, S, Zn, Cu and Br presented a dominant mode in PM0.25, while Al, Mg, Ca, Fe and Si peaked at 2.5 μm. Throughout the campaign, Cl was the main component of the mass of PM greater than 0.5 μm in the schoolyard, while in classrooms Ca constituted the most abundant element of PM2.5-10. The results indicate that soil dust, cleaning products, biomass burning, traffic, the chemical complex and railway affected PM levels at the school. Taking paracetamol and living near roads with intense traffic of heavy vehicles were found to be statistically significant predictors of asthma symptoms, while the frequent consumption of antibiotics and children exposure to parental smoking during the first year of their life were found to increase the odds of developing symptoms of rhinitis.

Chemical composition of cloud and rainwater at a high-altitude mountain site in western India: source apportionment and potential factors.

This study focuses on the chemical composition of cloud water (CW) and rainwater (RW) collected at Sinhagad, a high-altitude station (1450m AMSL) located in the western region of India. The samples were collected during the monsoon over two years (2016-2017). The chemical analysis suggests that the concentration of total ionic constituents was three times higher in CW than in RW, except for NH4+ (1.0) and HCO3- (0.6). Compared to RW, high concentrations of SO42- and NO3- were observed in CW. The weighted average RW pH (6.5 ± 0.3) was slightly more alkaline than CW pH (6.1 ± 0.5). This can be attributed to the high concentrations of neutralizing ions such as nss-Ca2+, nss-Mg2+, K+, and NH4+, indicating the greater extent of wet scavenging during rainfall. These ions counteract the acidity generated by SO42- and NO3-. A high correlation between Ca2+, Na+, K+, NO3-, and SO42- makes it difficult to estimate the contribution of SO42- from different sources. Anthropogenic sulfur emissions and soil dust significantly influence the ionic composition of clouds and rain. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to identify the contribution of different sources to the samples. In the CW, the extracted factors were cooking and vehicles, aging sea salt, agriculture, and dust. In RW, the factors were industries, cooking and vehicles, agriculture and dust, and aging sea salt. The findings of this study have significant implications for the monsoon build-up, ecosystems, agriculture, and climate change.

Impacts of sand and dust storms on food production

Abstract Sand and dust storms (SDS) are common in the world’s drylands, regions that are also critically important for global food production. Agriculture is the most prevalent land use resulting in anthropogenic SDS sources, resulting in impacts on cropland and rangeland, but food production is also affected by impacts from natural SDS sources. This review assesses our knowledge of SDS impacts on all the major types of food production in terrestrial and oceanic environments, impacts that occur in all three phases of the wind erosion system: during particle entrainment, during transport, and on deposition. These effects are short term and long term, direct and indirect. Wind erosion is a major cause of land degradation and there is good evidence to indicate that the deleterious effects of SDS can reduce food production via substantially diminished yields of crops, pastures and livestock. However, it is also clear that soil dust plays an important role in major biogeochemical cycles—especially phosphorus, nitrogen and iron—with implications for the valuable environmental services provided by numerous ecosystems, both terrestrial and marine. Ultimately, these nutrients have particular significance for soil formation, ecosystem productivity and food webs on land and at sea, and hence the provision of food for human societies. Efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of SDS on the sustainability of agriculture should be balanced with an appreciation of the significance of soil dust to the Earth system.

Bio-availability of potential trace elements in urban dust, soil, and plants in arid northwest China

Potential trace elements pollution in cities poses a threat to the environment and human health. Bio-availability affects toxicity levels of potential trace elementss on organisms. This study focused on exploring the relationship between soil, plant, and atmospheric dust pollution in Urumqi, a typical city in western China. It aims to help reduce pollution and protect residents’ health. The following conclusions were drawn: 1) potential trace elementss like Cr, Pb, As, and Ni are more prevalent in atmospheric dust and soil than in plants. Chromium was in the first group, Cadmium and Mercury were in the second, and Plumb, Arsenic, and Nickel were in the third. Atmospheric dust and soil exhibit a significantly higher heavy metal content than plants. For example, The atmospheric dust summary Chromium content was up to 88 mg/kg. 2) Soil, atmospheric dust, and plants have the highest amount of residual form. Residual form had the highest percentage average of 53.3%, whereas Organic matter bound form had the lowest percentage of just 7.7%. The plants contained less residual heavy metal than the soil and atmospheric dust. 3) The correlation coefficient between the carbonated form content of Cd of soil and atmospheric dust is 0.95, which is closely related. Other potential trace elements show similar correlations in their bio-available contents in soil, plants, and atmospheric dust. This study suggests that in urban area, the focus should be on converting potential trace elements into residual form instead of increasing plants’ absorption of potential trace elements.

Characterization and source identification of PM2.5 during intense haze episodes in an urban environment of Lahore

In the backdrop of persistent haze occurrences affecting Southeast Asia and Pakistan's environmental landscape, this study delves into an in-depth analysis of atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM2.5) during intense haze episodes prevalent in Lahore throughout October, November, and December 2019. Employing advanced analytical techniques encompassing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Raman Spectroscopy (RS), this investigation meticulously scrutinized PM2.5 samples. The findings showcased substantial variability in PM2.5 concentrations, peaking notably in December within the range of 43.2–301 μgm−3, averaging 168 ± 88.3 μgm−3, whereas lower concentrations ranging from 30.9 to 268 μgm−3, with an average of 106 ± 66.1 μgm−3, were observed in October. These concentrations displayed correlations with meteorological parameters, demonstrating a direct association with relative humidity and varying relationships with temperature and wind speed. The maximal PM2.5 concentrations aligned with lower temperatures (19.1 °C), while higher temperatures (26.1 °C) coincided with the lowest concentrations, illustrating distinct relationships with relative humidity percentages and wind speeds. Advanced spectroscopic analyses (RS and XRD) confirmed the presence of various minerals and elements within PM2.5 samples, encompassing calcite, calcium aluminosilicate, hematite, barite, quartz, gypsum, organic carbon, and nineteen elements identified by EDX. Morphological evaluations unveiled diverse particle shapes, from round, pointed, and irregular to rod-like, and agglomerate structures. SEM investigations delineated distinctive groups of anthropogenic and geogenic particles, emphasizing emission sources such as automobile emissions, crop residue burning, biomass burning, construction activities, soil dust, and industrial emissions. This comprehensive study lays the groundwork for source apportionment, vital for understanding consequential impacts on climate, visibility, and human health, fostering future investigations in this domain.