TSP Samples Research Articles

Residential combustion of coal: Effect of the fuel and combustion stage on emissions

Worldwide coal is still used for household heating purposes not only because it is available and cheap but also due to behavioural issues. Regional variability in fuels and combustion appliances make accurate emission estimates from this source hard to achieve. In the present study, gaseous (CO, VOCs, SO2 and NOX) and particulate matter (TSP) emission factors (EFs) were determined for Spanish household coal combustion covering three commercial coals and distinct combustion stages and mimicking usage patterns in real households. TSP samples were analysed to determine water-soluble inorganic ions, metal(loid)s, and organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC). Additionally, the morphology of the emitted particles was also characterised.CO (3.43–169 g kg−1), NOX (1.29–6.00 g kg−1) and SO2 (8.96–22.3 g kg−1) EFs showed no trend regarding the combustion stage or coal type tested. On the other hand, VOC, TSP and EC EFs were higher for the ignition/devolatilisation combustion stage, regardless of the fuel tested. TSP EFs (0.085–1.08 g kg−1) increased with increasing coal volatile matter while the opposite trend was recorded for VOC emissions (0.045–3.39 gC kg−1).TSP carbonaceous matter was dominated by EC while OC represented a small fraction of the particulate mass emitted (less than 8 %wt.). Inorganic compounds composed an important fraction of the TSP samples. Sulphate particulate mass fractions (8.66–22.9 %wt.) appeared to increase with coal S-content. Coal combustion released particles with diverse morphologies, including silicate-rich particles, ferro- and glassy-spheres. This study provides novel emission factors to update emission inventories of residential coal combustion. Additionally, detailed chemical profiles were obtained for source apportionment.

Identification of atmospheric particulate matter derived from coal and biomass burning and from non-exhaust traffic emissions using zinc isotope signatures

Improving urban air quality is a global challenge. To implement successful abatement measures that reduce atmospheric particulate matter (APM) and associated metal concentrations, precise source apportionment is needed. For this, apportioning contributions from coal and biomass burning and differentiating these from non-exhaust traffic emissions in urban APM is critical. Recent studies characterising the metal isotope composition of urban APM, and potential source materials suggested that non-traditional isotope systems could prove unique fingerprinting tools. Zinc isotopes should be able to separate APM derived from uncontrolled combustion (fly ash, isotopically heavy) from non-exhaust traffic sources (tyre and brake wear, intermediate) and from controlled industrial emissions (flue gas, light). To test this hypothesis, we determined zinc isotope ratios of APM (TSP, PM2.5, PM1) in Beijing (coal combustion for residential heating) and Varanasi (biomass burning in pre-monsoon periods). In Beijing, δ66ZnLyon values of PM2.5 ranged from −0.41 to +1.01‰ in 2015 (avg = +0.25 ± 0.50‰, n = 19). Aerosols (including TSP, PM2.5 and PM1 samples) from the heating period were significantly (t-test, p < 0.001) heavier (avg = +0.90 ± 0.12‰, n = 7) than those from the non-heating period (avg = +0.14 ± 0.36‰, n = 23). Average δ66ZnLyon values of PM2.5 in Varanasi in spring 2015 were +0.82 ± 0.11‰ (n = 4). Extent and direction of isotope fractionation is in line with that expected from theoretical models and the isotope signatures observed agree with previously determined ratios of source materials. Our study links for the first time comprehensively the heavy zinc isotope compositions in APM to coal and biomass burning and shows that zinc isotope compositions of aerosols can discriminate between non-exhaust traffic and combustion sources.

Assessment of ambient aerosol sources in two important Atlantic Rain Forest hotspots in the surroundings of a megacity

Between 2010 and 2015, an assessment of ambient aerosol sources was carried in two unique fragments of the Atlantic Rain Forest in the surroundings of the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro (MRRJ). Airborne particulate matter samples were collected at Serra dos Órgãos National Park (43°04′42.1″W and 22°29′16.9″S) and Mário Xavier National Forest (43°42′21.8″W and 22°43′21.7″S). At the former site, PM10 samples were collected, while at the latter TSP samples were collected due to a particular interest on the preservation of an endangered endemic species of tree frog (Physalaemus soaresi). Elemental composition, inorganic and organic water-soluble compounds were analyzed along with local meteorology variables in order to provide the most relevant variables for particulate matter prediction and its potential sources. For TSP, the main predictors were NO3− >Mn >Rad (Global radiation) >Ca2+ >Precipitation >Mg 2+. For PM 10, the main predictors were Gust (Gust wind speed) >NO 3− >Ca2+ >Zn >Cu >Ti. Furthermore, trends in the particulate matter were analyzed considering the prevailing winds and sources were evaluated whether intermittent or continuous, using the conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF). With the use of CBPF, recent developed machine learning algorithms (Conditional inference trees – CIT, and Random Forests using a conditional inference framework), and other standard data analysis techniques tuned for air quality exercises, we provide an example case for planning and evaluation of environmental risk assessment by stakeholders.

A New Receptor Model Based on the Alternating Trilinear Decomposition Followed by a Score Matrix Reconstruction for Source Apportionment of Ambient Particulate Matter

A new receptor model based on the alternating trilinear decomposition followed by a score matrix reconstruction (ATLD-SMR) was developed for the source apportionment of urban PM10 for the first time. First, simulated three-way data arrays of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to verify the feasibility of the ATLD-SMR method. Then, PM10 samples (receptor) at five locations and TSP samples of ten pollution sources were collected during July and August, 2018 in Loudi City, China. The collected samples were measured by GC-MS. PAHs were used as tracers and their concentrations were accurately obtained by the ATLD-SMR analysis of GC-MS data of these samples after the problems of GC-MS including baseline drift, retention-time shift and unexpected peaks overlapping were successfully resolved. The highest concentrations of individual PAH in these samples were for phenanthrene and benzo [a] pyrene (40.76 ng m-3 and 39.63 ng m-3 in Liangang steel-making workshop, respectively). Last, a relative contribution matrix of the source to the receptor was estimated by the ATLD-SMR method. The proposed method was employed to apportion the source contributions to PM10 particles at five locations and reasonable results were obtained, thus presenting a promising tool for source apportionment of complex ambient particulate matter.

Variation in the mercury concentration and stable isotope composition of atmospheric total suspended particles in Beijing, China

We investigated the effect of the temporary ban of local industrial activities during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit (4th–14th Nov 2014) in Beijing, China on total suspended particulate mercury (HgTSP) concentrations and isotope compositions. We measured Hg concentrations and isotope ratios in 33 TSP samples from central Beijing, including 21 samples collected from Jun 2012 to Apr 2014, and 12 samples collected from 14th Oct–19th Nov 2014. Volumetric concentrations of both TSP and HgTSP during the APEC summit were a factor of 2 lower than during the pre-APEC period, indicating substantial reductions in total particulate matter and HgTSP as a result of emissions controls. However, mass-normalized concentrations and mercury isotope ratios of HgTSP did not vary significantly between samples collected before, during, or after the APEC summit. These results show that local emissions are important sources of particle bound mercury (PBM) in Beijing and that their control can be used to immediately lower the volumetric concentration of HgTSP. They also indicate that a similarly complex mixture of sources contributed to PBM in Beijing before and during emissions controls were put in place and that PBM concentrations in Beijing are primarily controlled by emissions and secondarily by photoreduction.

Chemical characteristics of airborne particles in Xi'an, inland China during dust storm episodes: Implications for heterogeneous formation of ammonium nitrate and enhancement of N-deposition

To identify the sources and heterogeneous reactions of sulfate and nitrate with dust in the atmosphere, airborne particles in Xi'an, inland China during the spring of 2017 were collected and measured for chemical compositions, along with a laboratory simulation of the heterogeneous formation of ammonium nitrate on the dust surface. Our results showed that concentrations of Ca2+, Na+ and Cl− in the TSP samples were enhanced in the dust events, with the values of 41.8, 5.4 and 4.0 μg m−3, respectively, while NO3− (7.1 μg m−3) and NH4+ (2.4 μg m−3) remarkably decreased, compared to those in the non-dust periods. During the dust events, NH4+ correlated only with NO3− (R2 = 0.52) and abundantly occurred in the coarse mode (>2.1 μm), in contrast to that in the non-dust periods, which well correlated with sulfate and nitrate and enriched in the fine mode (<2.1 μm). SO42− in Xi'an during the dust events existed mostly as gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and mirabilite (Na2SO4·10H2O) and dominated in the coarse mode, suggesting that they were directly transported from the upwind Gobi Desert region. Our laboratory simulation results showed that during the long-range transport hygroscopic salts in the Gobi dust such as mirabilite can absorb water vapor and form a liquid phase on the particle surface, then gaseous NH3 and HNO3 partition into the aqueous phase and form NH4NO3, resulting in the strong correlation of NH4+ with NO3− and their accumulation on dust particles. The dry deposition flux of total inorganic nitrogen (NH4+ + NO3−) in Xi'an during the dust events was 0.97 mg-N m−2 d−1 and 37% higher than that in the non-dust periods. Such a significant enhanced N-deposition is ascribed to the heterogeneous formation of NH4NO3 on the dust particle surface, which has been ignored and should be included in future model simulations.

Evolution of aerosol chemistry in Xi'an during the spring dust storm periods: Implications for heterogeneous formation of secondary organic aerosols on the dust surface

TSP and 9-stage size-segregated samples were simultaneously collected in Xi'an during the spring of 2013 and analyzed for organic aerosols (OA) on a molecular level. n-Alkanes were the dominant compound class during the whole campaign, followed by fatty acids. High molecular weight (HMW) n-alkanes and fatty acids dominated in the coarse mode particles (>1.1 μm) during the dust event, indicating they were mostly originated from surface soil and plants in the upwind regions. Low-volatile anthropogenic compounds such as benzo(e)pyrene (BeP) and bisphenol A (BPA) dominated in the fine mode particles during the whole campaign. In contrast, semi-volatile anthropogenic compounds such as phenanthrene (Phe) and di-n-butyl phthalates (DBP) showed a bimodal size distribution with a significant increase in the coarse mode during the dust event due to their vaporization from the fine mode particles and the subsequent adsorption on the dust surface. Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) in Xi'an during the dust storm period were predominantly enriched on the coarse particles, which can be ascribed to the adsorption and subsequent oxidation of gas-phase hydrophilic organics on the aqueous-phase of hygroscopic dust surface (e.g., mirabilite). Our work suggested an important role of multiphase reaction in evolution of aerosol chemistry during the dust long-range transport process.

Temporal variations, sources and tracer significance of Polonium-210 in the metropolitan atmosphere of Beijing, China

In the present study, Polonium-210 (210Po) is studied in TSP and coal combustion samples for its potential application in tracing air pollutants. A significant seasonal variation of atmospheric 210Po in Beijing was observed: winter > autumn > summer > spring. During the combustion of coal, 210Po was highly enriched in fly ash but was depleted in bottom ash. Using selenium (Se) as an indicator of coal combustion, significantly positive correlation between 210Po and Se in TSP samples (r2 = 0.705) revealed that coal combustion was a primary source of atmospheric 210Po in Beijing. The mean emission factor of 210Po from industry sector was found to be the highest (1.15 Bq kg−1), followed by the residential (0.308 Bq kg−1) and coal-fired power plant (0.0776 Bq kg−1) sectors. The annual emission inventories of 210Po from three coal consumer sectors (residential, coal-fired power plant, and industry) in 2016 in Beijing were estimated to be 1.49, 0.0729, and 1.36 GBq, respectively. The ratio of radioactive 210Po and stable element Se (210Po/Se) was creatively used as a combined indicator or fingerprint of coal combustion emission, which will contribute to the development of radioisotope tracer technology based on nuclide fingerprint database in the source identification of air pollutants.

Molecular composition and seasonal variation of amino acids in urban aerosols from Beijing, China

Fifteen hydrolyzed amino acids (THAA) were quantified in urban aerosols (TSP samples) collected during April 2012 to May 2013 in Beijing, China using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after their derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA), to investigate their molecular distributions and seasonal variation. Total concentrations of amino acids ranged from 1.73–25.7nmolm−3 with a peak in spring (13.7nmolm−3), followed by winter (11.5nmolm−3), fall (9.51nmolm−3) and summer (7.45nmolm−3). Glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala) and valine (Val) are found to be the most abundant species, which account for 46% of the total THAA. Compared with those recorded in previous studies, the atmospheric levels of amino acids in Beijing were higher than those from other regions. Enhanced amounts of methionine, tyrosine, histidine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid were found during the rainfall events. The factor analysis further suggests that amino acids in urban Beijing originated from multiple sources including biological emission, biomass burning, as well as anthropogenic activities.

Effect of air pollution on the total bacteria and pathogenic bacteria in different sizes of particulate matter.

In recent years, air pollution events have occurred frequently in China during the winter. Most studies have focused on the physical and chemical composition of polluted air. Some studies have examined the bacterial bioaerosols both indoors and outdoors. But few studies have focused on the relationship between air pollution and bacteria, especially pathogenic bacteria. Airborne PM samples with different diameters and different air quality index values were collected in Hangzhou, China from December 2014 to January 2015. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA was used to categorize the airborne bacteria. Based on the NCBI database, the "Human Pathogen Database" was established, which is related to human health. Among all the PM samples, the diversity and concentration of total bacteria were lowest in the moderately or heavily polluted air. However, in the PM2.5 and PM10 samples, the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria were highest in the heavily and moderately polluted air respectively. Considering the PM samples with different particle sizes, the diversities of total bacteria and the proportion of pathogenic bacteria in the PM10 samples were different from those in the PM2.5 and TSP samples. The composition of PM samples with different sizes range may be responsible for the variances. The relative humidity, carbon monoxide and ozone concentrations were the main factors, which affected the diversity of total bacteria and the proportion of pathogenic bacteria. Among the different environmental samples, the compositions of the total bacteria were very similar in all the airborne PM samples, but different from those in the water, surface soil, and ground dust samples. Which may be attributed to that the long-distance transport of the airflow may influence the composition of the airborne bacteria. This study of the pathogenic bacteria in airborne PM samples can provide a reference for environmental and public health researchers.

AMBIENT CONCENTRATIONS OF ELEMENTAL AND ORGANIC CARBON IN URBAN AND SUBURBAN ATMOSPHERES IN ESKİSEHİR: ESTIMATION OF THE SECONDARY ORGANIC CARBON

Ambient air particulate matter samples were collected from urban and suburban sites of Eskişehir in 2012. Samples were collected concurrently from both sites between 26 th of February and 20 th of December 2012. Mass concentrations of particulate matter (fine particles- PM 2.5 , coarse particles- PM 2.5-10 and total suspended particulate matter- TSP ) were determined. TSP samples were analyzed by Thermal Optical Carbon Analyzer to determine elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC) and total carbon (TC) concentrations. It was found that 4.9% of the TSP is composed of EC, and 13.6 % is OC in urban sampling point. EC and OC contributions in suburban sampling points were 2.7% and 9.6% respectively. OC/EC ratio was found to be almost 1.5 times higher in suburban sampling site compared to urban sampling site. EC tracer method was used to estimate the contribution of Secondary Organic Carbon (SOC). The SOC percent of TSP was estimated as 7.1 % and 5.6 % for the urban and suburban locations respectively.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Current-Use Pesticides in Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Houston, Texas.

The atmospheric concentrations of seven current-use pesticides in particulate matter were determined at four locations throughout the Houston metropolitan area in TSP and PM2.5 samples from September 2013. Atmospheric concentrations in both TSP and PM2.5 ranged from below method detection limits (MDLs) to nearly 1100pgm-3. The three compounds most frequently detected above MDLs were chlorothalonil, bifenthrin, and λ-cyhalothrin. Atmospheric chlorothalonil concentrations were above 800pgm-3 in several TSP samples, but <MDL in PM2.5 samples. Bifenthrin atmospheric concentrations, which were detected above MDLs in all samples, differed between urban and suburban sites, while also being more associated with fine particulate matter. λ-cyhalothrin had high atmospheric concentrations at one of the suburban sites and the industrial site, but was <MDL in the urban site samples. Diurnal trends in atmospheric concentration, as related to wind direction, showed that daytime peaks came from east while nighttime peaks came from northeast directions.

Particulate matter concentrations originating from industrial and urban sources: Validation of atmospheric dispersion modeling results

This study presents the analysis of the emission, transport, dispersion, and concentration of particulate matter emitted from a large industrial complex dedicated to the manufacture of cement in the town of Malagueño, province of Córdoba (Argentina), using the USEPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) AERMOD model. The model was applied for 224 industrial and background emission sources (8 stacks, 3 limestone quarries, 13 material storage piles, 18 agricultural fields and 182 paved and unpaved segment roads). The application of the model was validated with Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP) measured at two monitoring sites, where samples were collected for 62 consecutive days in winter. The maximum TSP values obtained at both monitoring sites (748 and 1100 μg m−3) were well above the suggested WHO guidelines. The results obtained showed the impact of this industrial activity on local particulate matter concentrations, from which unpaved industrial roads and stockpiles were the most influential emission sources, directly affecting two of the closest neighborhoods in the area. Future studies will include the accumulation of heavy metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in TSP samples, the environmental risk assessment for exposure of the Malagueño population and the source apportionment of these pollutants.

Variations in PM2.5, TSP, BC, and trace gases (NO2, SO2, and O3) between haze and non-haze episodes in winter over Xi'an, China

To investigate chemical profiles and formation mechanisms of aerosol particles in winter haze events, daily PM2.5 and TSP, 5-min BC, and 15-min trace gases (SO2, NO2, and O3) were measured continuously during Dec. 1–31, 2012 in Xi'an. Chemical analysis was also conducted for nine water-soluble inorganic ions (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, F−, Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and eight carbon fractions (OC1, OC2, OC3, OC4, EC1, EC2, EC3, and OP) in both PM2.5 and TSP samples. Higher levels of TSP, PM2.5, BC, SO2, and NO2, and lower levels of O3 were observed during haze periods in comparison with non-haze days. The sum of the major secondary ionic species (NH4+, NO3−, and SO42−) in PM2.5 or TSP during haze periods was about 3 times of that during non-haze days. Ion balance calculations showed that PM2.5 samples were acidic during haze periods and were close to neutral during non-haze days. The mean carbon levels were 52.9 μg m−3 and 82.1 μg m−3 in PM2.5 and TSP, respectively, during haze events, which were ∼1.5 times of those during non-haze days. The diurnal variations of BC during non-haze days showed a bimodal distribution with two peaks coincided with traffic rush hours. This was not the case during haze periods, which exhibited a relatively smooth pattern but with high concentration levels, providing evidence of particle accumulation. The ratios of SO42−/EC, NO3−/EC, and NH4+/EC sharply increased during haze periods, indicating the important pathway of secondary inorganic species formation through aqueous-phase transformation under high relative humidity condition. This study also highlights that wintertime secondary organic carbon (SOC) formation can be an important contributor to carbonaceous aerosol, especially during haze periods.

Spatial, temporal and size distribution of particulate matter and its chemical constituents in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Spatial and temporal variations in aerosol particulate matter (PM) were investigated for distribution over the four seasons of chemical constituents and particle size fractions in Faisalabad, Pakistan from June 2012 to April 2013. At nine sampling sites, four PM mass size fractions (total suspended particulates [TSP], PM10, PM4 and PM2.5) were monitored; simultaneously, TSP mass samples were collected on glass fiber filters using a high volume air sampler. TSP samples (144) were subjected to quantitative chemical analyses for determining trace elements (Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe) using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and water-soluble cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+) and anions (Cl–, SO42– and NO3–) by ion chromatography. The highest PM mass concentrations were observed at industrial sites, while they were somewhat lower in major road intersections and lowest in the remote background site. It was also observed that PM mass concentrations were about two to 20 times higher than the standard limits of the World Health Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Coarse particles (TSP, PM10 and PM4) were found to be highest during the summer, while relatively fine particles (PM2.5) were higher during the winter period. Concentrations of all size fractions were lowest during the monsoon sampling period at all sites. Concentrations of different elements and water-soluble ions also followed the similar temporal pattern as PM mass concentrations. The crustal elements Ca, Fe, Mg and Na were the largest contributors to TSP mass while elements of anthropogenic origin (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu and Zn) had relatively lower concentrations and also showed a high spatial variation. Among the anions, sulfate (SO42–) was the predominant species contributing to 50-60% of the total anion concentration. It was found that rainfall, wind speed and relative humidity were the most important meteorological factors affecting PM concentrations. The evaluation of data presented in this paper will serve as a basis for future regional modeling and source apportionment.

Atmospheric particulate mercury in the megacity Beijing: Spatio-temporal variations and source apportionment

Particulate mercury (HgP) concentrations in weekly aerosol samples (PM2.5 and TSP) from Beijing, China, were measured for a complete year. In addition, spatial differences were measured for a shorter time period at four different sites and potential source materials were analyzed. Average HgP concentrations in PM2.5 samples were 0.26 ng/m3 for day-time PM2.5, 0.28 ng/m3 for night-time PM2.5, and 0.57 ng/m3 for TSP samples, respectively. Coal combustion was identified as the major source of HgP in Beijing. Other sources included industrial activities as well as red color on historical buildings as a minor contribution. Spatial differences were pronounced with highest concentrations in the inner city (inside the 3rd ring road). The results further showed a strong seasonality with highest concentrations in winter and lowest in summer due to local meteorological conditions (precipitation in summer and stagnant conditions and low mixing layer height in winter) as well as seasonal sources, such as coal combustion for heating purposes. Day–night differences also showed a seasonal pattern with higher night-time concentrations during summer and higher day-time concentrations during winter. Compared to other cities worldwide, the HgP concentrations in Beijing were alarmingly high, suggesting that airborne particulate Hg should be the focus of future monitoring activities and mitigation measures.

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.

Comparison of abundances, compositions and sources of elements, inorganic ions and organic compounds in atmospheric aerosols from Xi'an and New Delhi, two megacities in China and India

Wintertime TSP samples collected in the two megacities of Xi'an, China and New Delhi, India were analyzed for elements, inorganic ions, carbonaceous species and organic compounds to investigate the differences in chemical compositions and sources of organic aerosols. The current work is the first time comparing the composition of urban organic aerosols from China and India and discussing their sources in a single study. Our results showed that the concentrations of Ca, Fe, Ti, inorganic ions, EC, PAHs and hopanes in Xi'an are 1.3–2.9 times of those in New Delhi, which is ascribed to the higher emissions of dust and coal burning in Xi'an. In contrast, Cl−, levoglucosan, n-alkanes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, phthalates and bisphenol A are 0.4–3.0 times higher in New Delhi than in Xi'an, which is attributed to strong emissions from biomass burning and solid waste incineration. PAHs are carcinogenic while phthalates and bisphenol A are endocrine disrupting. Thus, the significant difference in chemical compositions of the above TSP samples may suggest that residents in Xi'an and New Delhi are exposed to environmental hazards that pose different health risks.Lower mass ratios of octadecenoic acid/octadecanoic acid (C18:1/C18:0) and benzo(a)pyrene/benzo(e)pyrene (BaP/BeP) demonstrate that aerosol particles in New Delhi are photochemically more aged. Mass closure reconstructions of the wintertime TSP indicate that crustal material is the most abundant component of ambient particles in Xi'an and New Delhi, accounting for 52% and 48% of the particle masses, respectively, followed by organic matter (24% and 23% in Xi'an and New Delhi, respectively) and secondary inorganic ions (sulfate, nitrate plus ammonium, 16% and 12% in Xi'an and New Delhi, respectively).

Exposure and health impacts of outdoor particulate matter in two urban and industrialized area of Tabriz, Iran

Numerous studies have shown associations between air pollution and health effects on human. The aims of the present study were to provide quantitative data on variation of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) concentration and the impact of PM on the health of people living in Tabriz city. The approach proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was applied using the AirQ 2.2.3 software developed by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Bilthoven Division. The concentration of particulate matter were measured at urban and industrial suburban sites in Tabriz, Iran, from September 2012 to June 2013. TSP and PM10 samples were collected using high volume samplers. PM2.5 and PM1 were measured by Haz-Dust EPAM-5000 particulate air monitors. The annual average concentrations of TSP, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 in the urban site were 142.2 ± 76.3, 85.3 ± 43.9, 39 ± 19.1, and 28.4 ± 14.9 μg/m3 (mean ± SD), respectively. Also in industrial suburban, the total average concentrations of TSP, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were measured as 178.7 ± 52.7, 109.9 ± 30.2, 40.0 ± 10.9, and 31.4 ± 9.1 μg/m3, respectively. The PM10/TSP ratio for the whole study period ranged between 0.35-0.91 and 0.32-0.79 in the urban and suburban sites, respectively. Total mortalities associated with TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were 327, 363, and 360, respectively. Furthermore, the cardiovascular mortalities for TSP and PM10 were 202 and 227 individual, respectively. According to the attributable respiratory mortalities of 99 and 67 associated respectively with TSP and PM10, it is clear that cardiovascular mortality resulted from PM might attributed to total mortality. The maximum 24-hour concentration of PM was observed during winter followed by autumn and the lowest one was during spring.

Elemental Spatiotemporal Variations of Total Suspended Particles in Jeddah City

Elements associated with total suspended particulate matter (TSP) in Jeddah city were determined. Using high-volume samplers, TSP samples were simultaneously collected over a one-year period from seven sampling sites. Samples were analyzed for Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ti, V, Cr, Co, Ni, As, and Sr. Results revealed great dependence of element contents on spatial and temporal variations. Two sites characterized by busy roads, workshops, heavy population, and heavy trucking have high levels of all measured elements. Concentrations of most elements at the two sites exhibit strong spatial gradients and concentrations of elements at these sites are higher than other locations. The highest concentrations of elements were observed during June–August because of dust storms, significant increase in energy consumption, and active surface winds. Enrichment factors of elements at the high-level sites have values in the range >10~60 while for Cu and Zn the enrichment factors are much higher (~0–>700) indicating that greater percentage of TSP composition for these three elements in air comes from anthropogenic activities.