Total Suspended Particulate Samples Research Articles

Concentration and Distribution Analysis of Heavy Metals in Total Suspended Particulates along Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway

Abstract The total suspended particulates (TSP) have been sampled at both shoulders of the west exit of the Shanghai-Nanjing expressway near Nanjing city from October to December, 2010. The concentrations of cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead and zinc metals were determined in the TSP by Microwave Digestion and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) Method. Result showed that the daily average concentrations of TSP in atmosphere at the sampling sites were all far out the “Ambient Air Quality Standard of China”. The cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead and zinc metals in all TSP samples have been already polluted at different levels. The space-time variations of all tested heavy metals were different too. There existed very significant power correlation between the chromium and nickel, cadmium and chromium, cadmium and nickel, cadmium and zinc, chromium and zinc, respectively. It indicated that the air quality along Shanghai-Nanjing expressway is serious bad and causes a health hazard to the surrounding villages.

Influence of continental outflow on aerosol chemical characteristics over the Arabian Sea during winter

Abstract The chemical composition of aerosol over the Arabian Sea was investigated during December 2007. Elemental Carbon (EC), Organic Carbon (OC), water soluble organic and inorganic constituents and crustal elements (Al, Fe, Ca, and Mg) were measured in total suspended particulate samples (TSP) collected from marine boundary layer of the Arabian Sea when the oceanic region is influenced by continental outflow. Anthropogenic and natural mineral aerosol originating from continental regions dominates the aerosol composition contributing ∼88% of total aerosol mass. The sea-salt aerosol comprises only ∼12% of TSP. The carbonaceous aerosol exhibits spatial trend similar to that of K + suggesting major source could be biomass burning. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) contribution estimated by EC-tracer method suggests that up to 67% of OC can be of secondary origin. Average water soluble organic carbon to OC ratio is ∼0.9, indicates significant formation of SOA during transport of continental air masses. These results demonstrate the dominance of continental aerosol over the Arabian Sea during wintertime where deposition may have major impact on surface ocean biogeochemistry.

Characterization of ionic composition of TSP and PM10 during the Middle Eastern Dust (MED) storms in Ahvaz, Iran

Because of the recent frequent observations of major dust storms in southwestern cities in Iran such as Ahvaz, and the importance of the ionic composition of particulate matters regarding their health effects, source apportionment, etc., the present work was conducted aiming at characterizing the ionic composition of total suspended particles (TSP) and particles on the order of ∼10μm or less (PM(10)) during dust storms in Ahvaz in April-September 2010. TSP and PM(10) samples were collected and their ionic compositions were determined using an ion chromatography. Mean concentrations of TSP and PM(10) were 1,481.5 and 1,072.9μg/m(3), respectively. Particle concentrations during the Middle Eastern Dust (MED) days were up to four times higher than those in normal days. Ionic components contributed to only 9.5% and 11.3% of the total mass of TSP and PM(10), respectively. Crustal ions were most abundant during dust days, while secondary ions were dominant during non-dust days. Ca(2+)/Na(+) and Cl(-)/Na(+) ratios can be considered as the indicators for identification of the MED occurrence. It was found that possible chemical forms of NaCl, (NH(4))(2)SO(4), KCl, K(2)SO(4), CaCl(2), Ca(NO(3))(2), and CaSO(4) may exist in TSP. Correlation between the anionic and cationic components suggests slight anion and cation deficiencies in TSP and PM(10) samples, though the deficiencies were negligible.

Phytoavailability and speciation of aluminum carried by total suspended particulates (TSP) to Masson pine (Pinus massoniana L.)

Abstract Aluminum (Al) is an abundant metal in airborne particulate matter. Al concentrations carried by total suspended particulates (TSP) of the Nanjing atmosphere were distinctly higher in soils of industrial areas than the background concentration of the soils. This study aimed to assess the influence of the soils varying in their degree of contamination on the soil-to-plant transfer and translocation of Al to Masson pine ( Pinus massoniana L.). A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the phytoavailability and speciation of Al carried by TSP which was collected at urban and industrial sites over a 12-month period in the atmosphere of Nanjing, China. The extractable noncrystalline Al in environmental particulate samples could be operationally fractionated into insoluble (Alin), oxide (Alox), organic (Alor), carbonate (Alca), and exchangeable species (Alex) using Tessier's sequential extraction procedure. The results showed that relatively high Al concentrations in TSP and soil samples were observed at the industrial site due to emissions from a local industry that manufactures Al-based products. The distribution sequence of Al species was quite similar for TSP and soil samples, which was Alin > Alor > Alox > Alca > Alex. The order of industrial particulate matter (IPM) was Alin > Alox > Alca > Alex > Alor. Alor was not detectable. A greater migration of Alex species entered the pine roots and the highest Al contents were accumulated in the roots and declined in the aerial portions. The soil-to-pine Al transfer was extremely low even when grown on industrial Al-contaminated soils. A significant positive correlation was found between the Al contents in pine seedlings and rhizospheric Alex contents. In contrast, there was a strong negative correlation between rhizospheric Alex contents and seedling biomass. For the spiked soils, under the influence of IPM, Al phytoavailability decreased with elevated rhizospheric Al and Alex. Collectively, this study provided evidence of Alex and Alor species dependent Al phytoavailability. Excessive Al carried by IPM lead to a decline in the pine biomass production, and different Al phytoavailabilities showed differentiated responses to IPM addition.

Springtime carbon emission episodes at the Gosan background site revealed by total carbon, stable carbon isotopic composition, and thermal characteristics of carbonaceous particles

Abstract. In order to investigate the emission of carbonaceous aerosols at the Gosan background super-site (33.17° N, 126.10° E) in East Asia, total suspended particles (TSP) were collected during spring of 2007 and 2008 and analyzed for particulate organic carbon, elemental carbon, total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of TC. The stable carbon isotopic composition of TC (δ13CTC) was found to be lowest during pollen emission episodes (range: −26.2‰ to −23.5‰, avg. −25.2 ± 0.9‰), approaching those of the airborne pollen (−28.0‰) collected at the Gosan site. Based on a carbon isotope mass balance equation, we found that ~42% of TC in the TSP samples during the pollen episodes was attributed to airborne pollen from Japanese cedar trees planted around tangerine farms in Jeju Island. A negative correlation between the citric acid-carbon/TC ratios and δ13CTC was obtained during the pollen episodes. These results suggest that citric acid emitted from tangerine fruit may be adsorbed on the airborne pollen and then transported to the Gosan site. Thermal evolution patterns of organic carbon during the pollen episodes were characterized by high OC evolution in the OC2 temperature step (450 °C). Since thermal evolution patterns of organic aerosols are highly influenced by their molecular weight, they can be used as additional information on the formation of secondary organic aerosols and the effect of aging of organic aerosols during the long-range atmospheric transport and sources of organic aerosols.

Enhanced concentrations of citric acid in spring aerosols collected at the Gosan background site in East Asia

In order to investigate water-soluble dicarboxylic acids and related compounds in the aerosol samples under the Asian continent outflow, total suspended particle (TSP) samples (n = 32) were collected at the Gosan site in Jeju Island over 2–5 days integration during 23 March–1 June 2007 and 16–24 April 2008. The samples were analyzed for water-soluble dicarboxylic acids, ketocarboxylic acids, and α-dicarbonyls using a capillary gas chromatography technique. We found elevated concentrations of atmospheric citric acid (range: 20–320 ng m−3) in the TSP samples during mid- to late April of 2007 and 2008. To specify the sources of citric acid, dicarboxylic acids and related compounds were measured in the pollen sample collected at the Gosan site (Pollen_Gosan), authentic pollen samples from Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria) (Pollen_cedar) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) (Pollen_cypress), and tangerine fruit produced from Jeju Island. Citric acid (2790 ng in unit mg of pollen mass) was found as most abundant species in the Pollen_Gosan, followed by oxalic acid (2390 ng mg−1). Although citric acid was not detected in the Pollen_cedar and Pollen_cypress as major species, it was found as a dominant species in the tangerine juice while malic acid was detected as major species in the tangerine peel, followed by oxalic and citric acids. Since Japanese cedar trees are planted around tangerine farms to prevent strong winds from the Pacific Ocean, citric acid that may be directly emitted from tangerine is likely adsorbed on pollens emitted from Japanese cedar and then transported to the Gosan site. Much lower malic/citric acid ratios obtained under cloudy condition than clear condition suggest that malic acid may rapidly decompose to lower molecular weight compounds such as oxalic and malonic acids (<C4) via aqueous phase reaction in cloud during the atmospheric transport.

A literature review of concentrations and size distributions of ambient airborne Pb-containing particulate matter

Abstract The final 2008 lead (Pb) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) revision maintains Pb in total suspended particulate matter as the indicator. However, the final rule permits the use of low-volume PM10 (particulate matter sampled with a 50% cut-point of 10 μm) Federal Reference Method (FRM) monitors in lieu of total suspended particulate (TSP) monitors for some non-source-oriented monitoring. PM10 FRM monitors are known to provide more reliable concentration measurements than TSP samplers because they are omni-directional samplers and so are not biased by wind conditions. However, by design they exclude the upper tail of the particle size distribution. Hence, each monitor produces uncertainties about measured concentrations of Pb-bearing PM. Uncertainties in reported Pb data are also related to spatiotemporal variation of the concentration and size distribution of Pb-bearing PM. Therefore, a comprehensive literature review was performed to summarize the current knowledge regarding the concentration and size distribution of Pb particles in the atmosphere. The objectives of this review were to compile data that could shed light on these uncertainties, to provide insights useful during future Pb NAAQS reviews, and to identify areas where more research is needed. Results of this review indicated that Pb size distribution data are relatively limited and often outdated. Thirty-nine articles were found to have sufficiently detailed information regarding airborne Pb concentrations, study location, sample collection methods, and analytical techniques; only 16 of those papers reported Pb concentration data for multiple size fractions. For the most part, U.S. and European studies from the last forty years illustrate that the largest mode of the size distribution of airborne particle-bound Pb has shifted to larger sizes while airborne Pb concentrations have decreased in urban areas. This shift occurred as tetraethyl Pb additives in gasoline were phased out and industrial emissions and resuspended road dust became more important sources of Pb. Several studies also suggested the occurrence of long-range transport of Pb-bearing PM from industrial emissions. Uncertainties associated with these studies include influence of wind speed and direction on captured concentrations and variability in analytical techniques used to quantify Pb concentrations on the reported size distributions.

Particle-bound PCDD/Fs in the Atmosphere of an Electronic Waste Dismantling Area in China

Objective Particulate samples from the atmosphere in an electronic waste dismantling area were collected to investigate the levels and sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Methods Particulate samples including total suspended particulates (TSP) and particulate matter <2.5 μm diameter (PM 2.5) were collected on selected non-rainy days in summer (Jul 10-12, 2006) and winter (Jan 11-13, 2007) from Fengjiang (FJ), an electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling area in eastern China, and an adjacent area Luqiao (LQ). The samples were analyzed by isotope dilution – high resolution gas chromatography / high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Results In FJ, the mean PCDD/F concentrations (mean TEQ values) were 280.6 pg Nm −3 (3.432 pg WHO-TEQ Nm −3) for the TSP samples and 223.3 pg Nm −3 (3.180 pg WHO-TEQ Nm −3) for the PM 2.5 samples. The total PCDD/F concentrations and TEQs in the PM 2.5 samples were about 66.8%-108.0% of the TSP samples, indicating that the fine particles contained higher levels of PCDD/Fs than coarse particles. The PCDD/F levels in FJ were much higher than those detected in common urban areas around the world, suggesting that the study area was heavily polluted by PCDD/Fs. Furthermore, the total average daily PCDD/F intake in FJ was estimated at 62.11 pg WHO-TEQ kg −1·day −1 for adults and 110.11 pg WHO-TEQ kg −1·day −1 for children, which greatly exceeds the WHO (1998) tolerable daily intake of 1-4 pg of WHO-TEQ kg −1·day −1. Conclusion The PCDD/F homologues and congener profiles confirmed that the PCDD/Fs in FJ originated from crude e-waste recycling activities. The severe dioxin pollution present in FJ has also substantially influenced the adjacent area of LQ through atmospheric transport. Open burning of medical waste was another source of PCDD/Fs identified in LQ.

Effect of ozonation on particulate matter in broiler houses

The effects of ozonation on particulate matter were studied on a commercial broiler farm. The farm consisted of 4 identical tunnel-ventilated houses (12.8×152.4 m): 2 houses were treated with O3 (maximum concentration 0.1 ppm) and the other 2 served as control units. The particle size distributions of total suspended particulate (TSP) samples from both control and treated houses were found to have very similar profiles with no statistical difference. The TSP concentrations were significantly higher in treated houses as compared with those in control houses, and the mean of the differences was 5.50 mg/m3. In both treated and control houses, there were substantial vertical TSP concentration gradients and the concentrations decreased with height. At broiler chicken height (0.28 m), TSP concentrations were 13±3 mg/m3 in control houses and 17±2 mg/m3 in treated houses. At human breathing height (1.55 m), TSP concentrations were 8±4 mg/m3 in control houses and 7±2 mg/m3 in treated houses. Particle phase NH4+ concentrations were higher in treated houses (ranging from 0.59 to 42.01 mg/m3 with mean=17.49 mg/m3) than in control houses (ranging from 0.34 to 13.55 mg/m3 with mean=4.42 mg/m3). The TSP samples from locations in the vicinity of the farm showed higher concentrations downwind than that upwind, but there were no significant differences observed among different ambient locations for TSP NH4+ concentrations. The results from this study did not show that direct application of ozonation technique has beneficial effects for particulate matter control in broiler houses.

Concentration and seasonal variation of 10Be in surface aerosols of Lhasa, Tibet

Thirty samples of total suspended particles were collected at a site in western part of Lhasa, Tibet from August 2006 to July 2007. The 10Be concentrations were determined by Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS). Analysis of correlation between 10Be concentrations and meteorological factors revealed that the wet scavenging has little effect on 10Be. 10Be can be used as a proxy of transport processes of the upper atmosphere over the Tibetan Plateau. Analysis of correlation between 10Be concentrations and NCEP reanalysis data demonstrated that higher 10Be concentrations in spring were probably caused by the atmosphere exchange from stratosphere to troposphere during February to June. Lower 10Be concentrations during August to September were consistent with the synchronous lower O3 values, suggestive of both 10Be and O3 were probably influenced by the atmosphere exchange from troposphere to stratosphere.

Seasonal variations and sources of ambient fossil and biogenic-derived carbonaceous aerosols based on 14C measurements in Lhasa, Tibet

A total of 30 samples of total suspended particles were collected at an urban site in Lhasa, Tibet from August 2006 to July 2007 for investigating carbonaceous aerosol features. The fractions of contemporary carbon ( f c) in total carbon (TC) of ambient aerosols are presented using radiocarbon ( 14C) measurements. The value of f c represents the biogenic contribution to TC, as the biosphere releases organic compounds with the present 14C/ 12C level ( f c = 1), whereas 14C has become extinct in anthropogenic emissions of fossil carbon ( f c = 0). The f c values in Lhasa ranging from 0.357 to 0.702, are higher than Beijing and Tokyo, but clearly lower than the rural region of Launceston, which indicates a major biogenic influence in Lhasa. Seasonal variations of f c values corresponded well with variations of pollutants concentrations (e.g. NO 2). Higher f c values appeared in winter indicating carbonaceous aerosol is more dominated by wood burning and incineration of agricultural wastes within this season. The lower f c values in summer and autumn may be caused by increased diesel and petroleum emissions related to tourism in Lhasa. δ 13C values ranged from − 26.40‰ to − 25.10‰, with relative higher values in spring and summer, reflecting the increment of fossil carbon emissions.

Anthropogenic versus geogenic contribution to total suspended atmospheric particulate matter and its variations during a two-year sampling period in Beijing, China

Weekly samples of total suspended particles in air (TSP) were taken in south-east Beijing for a two-year period continuously from August 2005 to August 2007. Mass concentrations varied between 76 and 1028 microg m(-3) with an average concentration of 370 microg m(-3) for the whole period. The chemical composition and the mass concentration of aerosols in combination with meteorological data are reflecting specific influences of distinct aerosol sources on the pollution of Beijing's atmosphere. Lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations were chosen as indicator elements for different sources. Their amounts considerably varied over the course of the year. Element ratios, such as Pb/Ti, supported the distinction between periods of predominant geogenic or anthropogenic caused pollution. However, the interactions between aerosols from different sources are numerous and aerosol pollution still is a big and complex challenge for the sustainable development of Beijing.

Source identification of ambient aerosols over an urban region in western India

A first-of-its-kind source apportionment study of the Ahmedabad, India aerosol was conducted in order to determine the major sources contributing to the measured total suspended particles (TSPs). TSP samples were collected approximately once every ten days between May 2000 and January 2003, and analyzed for TSP mass, anions, cations, and elemental concentrations. An advanced factor analysis technique, positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to the measured concentrations and six factors were resolved. The model resolved factors included airborne regional dust, calcium carbonate rich dust, biomass burning/vehicular emissions, secondary nitrate/sulfate, marine aerosol, and smelter. Among the resolved factors, airborne regional dust was the highest contributor to the measured TSP mass followed by calcium carbonate rich dust with their average contributions accounting for 57.9 and 19.0%, respectively. Thus, crustal factors were the most dominant sources of TSP in Ahmedabad accounting for nearly 77% of the mass. Potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis identified parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, regions in southwestern Pakistan along the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), and southern Iran as potential source locations for the airborne regional dust factor. In contrast, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and parts of northern Pakistan were identified as potential source locations for the calcium carbonate rich dust factor. It is hypothesized that aerosol contributions from several limestone quarries in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh may have resulted in this factor being calcium carbonate enriched.

Iodine speciation in marine aerosols along a 15000-km round-trip cruise path from Shanghai, China, to the Arctic Ocean

Environmental context.Iodine in the atmosphere plays an important role in troposphere ozone destruction and climate change. However, cycling of atmospheric iodine is still poorly understood because of uncertainties in iodine speciation in aerosols. Here we report iodine levels and speciation in marine aerosols collected along a cruise path from Shanghai to the Arctic Ocean. Abstract.Total iodine (TI) and water-soluble iodine species in the total suspended particle samples collected onboard a round-trip cruise from Shanghai, China to the Arctic Ocean were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry respectively. TI and total soluble iodine (TSI) levels varied considerably both spatially and temporally over the length of the voyage. The maximum iodine levels occurred in the Arctic Ocean in September, whereas the minimum levels occurred in the Western and Northern Pacific Ocean in July. Iodate (IO3 –) was found to be the dominant species in most samples, accounting for 57.8% of TSI on average, whereas iodide and soluble organic iodine only accounted for 16.8% of TSI on average. There was also a significant fraction of insoluble iodine. This finding confirms model predictions of atmospheric iodine speciation, i.e. the predominant iodine species is iodate rather than iodide.

Identification of airborne bacterial and fungal community structures in an urban area by T-RFLP analysis and quantitative real-time PCR

This study explores the characteristics of bacterial and fungal communities of total suspended particles (TSP) in the atmosphere by using various molecular methods. TSP samples were collected on a glass fiber filter at an urban location in the middle of the Korean Peninsula (Seoul) between middle autumn and early winter in 2007. From the aerosol samples, DNA could be extracted and DNA sequences were determined for bacteria and fungi. Terminal restriction length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis was applied to analyze the community structure of them. To estimate the concentration of DNA originating from bacterial and fungal communities, we used the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). Sequence analyses were also used to determine the identity of biological organisms. The number of bacteria and fungi in the air were between 5.19 × 10 1 and 4.31 × 10 3 cells m − 3 and from 9.56 × 10 1 to 4.22 × 10 4 cells m − 3 , respectively and bacterium/fungus ratios ranged from 0.09 to 0.76 across the seven sampling dates. Most of the bacterial sequences found in our TSP samples were from Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. The fungal sequences were characteristic for Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycota which are known to actively discharge spores into the atmosphere. The plant sequences could be also detected. We found that large shifts in the community structure of bacteria and fungi were present in our TSP samples collected on different dates. The results demonstrated that in our TSP samples collected at the urban site; (1) there were very diverse bacterial and fungal groups including potential pathogens and allergens and (2) there were temporal shifts in both bacterial and fungal communities in terms of both diversity and abundances across an inter-seasonal period.

Asian Dust effects on Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) compositions at Gosan in Jeju Island, Korea

The compositions of TSP between AD and NAD storm periods were compared to study their long-term variations and chemical characteristics. TSP samples were collected at Gosan site in Jeju Island of Korea from February to May of 1992–2004. The major ionic and elemental species of TSP aerosols were analyzed. During AD periods, the concentrations of crust components (nss-Ca 2+, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr, Ti) increased remarkably, and the concentrations of anthropogenic components (nss-SO 4 2−, NO 3 −, S, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd), with the exception of NH 4 +, increased weakly. The concentration ratios of all major components between AD and NAD periods showed ranges from 1.2 to 8.5, except for NH 4 +. The slope of the linear regression indicated that the contribution of CO 3 2− may have comprised up to 17% of the total anions. Our results suggested that the AD storm greatly influenced TSP compositions. Linear regression analyses indicated that NH 4 + was not correlated with NO 3 −, but highly correlated with nss-SO 4 2− during both periods. The nss-SO 4 2− was also correlated with NH 4 +, K +, nss-Mg 2+, and nss-Ca 2+ during both periods. Interestingly, NO 3 − was associated with nss-Ca 2+ and nss-Mg 2+ during AD periods. Of the metal elements, Fe, Ca, Mg, Ti, Mn, Ba, Sr, V, and Co were highly correlated with Al during both periods, signifying that these metals were mostly originated from soils.

Concentrations and elemental composition of particulate matter in the Buenos Aires underground system

Total suspended particulate (TSP) samples have been collected at six stations in the C and B lines of the Buenos Aires underground system and, almost simultaneously, at six ground level sites outside and nearby the corresponding underground stations, in the Oct 2005/Oct 2006 period. All these samples were analyzed for mass and elemental Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations by using the Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique. Mostly, TSP concentrations were found to be between 152 μg m −3 (25% percentile) and 270 μg m −3 (75% percentile) in the platform of the stations, while those in outside ambient air oscillated from 55 μg m −3 (25% percentile) to 137 μg m −3 (75% percentile). Moreover, experimental results indicate that TSP levels are comparable to those measured for other underground systems worldwide. Statistical results demonstrate that subway TSP levels are about 3 times larger on average than those for urban ambient air. The TSP levels inside stations and outdoors are poorly correlated, indicating that TSP levels in the metro system are mainly influenced by internal sources. Regarding metal concentrations, the most enriched element in TSP samples was Fe, the levels of which ranged from 36 (25% percentile) to 86 μg m −3 (75% percentile) in Line C stations, while in Line B ones they varied between 8 μg m −3 (25% percentile) and 46 μg m −3 (75% percentile). As a comparison, Fe concentrations in ambient air oscillated between 0.7 μg m −3 (25% percentile) and 1.2 μg m −3 (75% percentile). Other enriched elements include Cu and Zn. With regard to their sources, Fe and Cu have been related to processes taking place inside the subway system, while Zn has been associated with outdoor vehicular traffic. Additionally, concerns about possible health implications based on comparisons to various indoor air quality limits and available toxicological information are discussed.

Concentrations, seasonal variations, and transport of carbonaceous aerosols at a remote Mountainous region in western China

Carbonaceous aerosol concentrations were determined for total suspended particle samples collected from Muztagh Ata Mountain in western China from December 2003 to February 2006. Elemental carbon (EC) varied from 0.004 to 0.174 μg m −3 (average = 0.055 μg m −3) while organic carbon (OC) ranged from 0.12 to 2.17 μg m −3 and carbonate carbon (CC) from below detection to 3.57 μg m −3. Overall, EC was the least abundant fraction of carbonaceous species, and the EC concentrations approached those in some remote polar areas, possibly representing a regional background. Low EC and OC concentrations occurred in winter and spring while high CC in spring and summer was presumably due to dust from the Taklimakan desert, China. OC/EC ratios averaged 10.0, and strong correlations between OC and EC in spring–winter suggest their cycles are coupled, but lower correlations in summer–autumn suggest influences from biogenic OC emissions and secondary OC formation. Trajectory analyses indicate that air transported from outside of China brings ∼0.05 μg m −3 EC, ∼0.42 μg m −3 OC, and ∼0.10 μg m −3 CC to the site, with higher levels coming from inside China. The observed EC was within the range of loadings estimated from a glacial ice core, and implications of EC-induced warming for regional climate and glacial ice dynamics are discussed.

Measurement of Particulate n-alkanes and PAHs Inside and Outside a Temple in Xiamen, China

Total suspended particles samples inside and outside the South Pu-Tuo Temple (SPT), a traditional Buddhist temple in Xiamen, China were collected and further analyzed for n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the periods of worship. It was observed that the concentrations of particulate n-alkanes at SPT were abnormally higher compared to the surrounding bus terminus and campus. In addition, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) equivalent concentrations at SPT (7.1-26.3 ng/m3) were significantly higher than those at the bus terminus (5.1-6.9 ng/m3) although the PAH concentrations were comparable. The hazard potential of PAHs in terms of the carcinogenicity of BaP inside SPT is not acceptable because the indoor air quality standard of BaP recommended by the State Environmental Protection Administration of China is 1 ng/m3 (daily mean). Ratios of fluoranthene to fluoranthene plus pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene to indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene plus benzo[g,h,i]perylene and 1,7-DMP (dimethylphenanthrene) to 2,6-DMP plus 1,7-DMP were further calculated; the values of these three together with the ratio of retene to phenanthrene separated the SPT samples from the bus terminus samples, in that SPT samples showed a strong influence of wood burning (such as bamboo sticks, stick coatings, and joss paper).

Annual variation of total suspended particulate and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the tropical city of Niterói, RJ, Brazil

This paper reports the determination of twelve polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in total suspended particulate (TSP) collected in Niterói City, RJ, Brazil. Bimonthly 24 h TSP samples were collected between June/2005 and May/2006 in the Campus of Federal Fluminense University that is located in a mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood in Niterói City Center, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. A high volume sampler and glass fibber filters were used to TSP sampling. A mean TSP concentration of 87 µg m-3 was found. PAHs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection following ultrasonic extraction. Limits of detection and of quantification were sufficiently low to accomplish PAH determination in the observed concentration ranges. Good PAH recoveries were obtained by analysis of SRM 1649a (NIST, USA). Phenanthrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[ghi]perylene were the predominating PAHs. Individual PAH concentrations varied between 0.001 (anthracene) and 0.357 (phenanthrene) ng m-3. Total PAH concentrations varied between 0.141 and 1.235 ng m-3. Individual and total PAH concentrations were not correlated with temperature, relative humidity or wind velocity. The ratios fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene) and benzo[ghi]perylene/indene[1,2,3-cd]pyrene indicated the main source of PAHs in the studied area was vehicular emission.