Study on particulate and metallic elements variation at daytime and nighttime period in urban atmosphere

Daily PM_2.5, PM_2.5–10 and TSP have been collected by Universal and PS‐1 sampler simultaneously at a site within Taichung between February and March 1999. The filters were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for the elemental analysis of Ca, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr. In general, the concentration of these metallic elements are higher in fine particles than in coarse particles. On average, PM₁₀ accounted for 67% of the TSP at daytime, while at nighttime PM₁₀ accounted for only 44% of the TSP. For PM_2.5, PM₂._5–10 and TSP concentrations, there were no significant differences between day and night period. The averaged concentrations of metallic elements in PM_2.5 at daytime were all higher than that at nighttime. Ca, Fe and Zn have large and variable PM_2.5 concentrations at both daytime and nighttime. For the daytime Zn and Pb account for the largest portion of the heavy metal elements. For the nighttime, Zn and Cr make the largest portion of the heavy metal elements. The concentrations of Mn were higher on fine particulates. The trace metals Cu and Cr in Taichung are probably due to particulates emitted by Taichung Fire Power Plants transported into the sampling area by the prevailing northwesterly wind.     

Modelling concentrations of airborne primary and secondary PM10 and PM2.5 with the BelEUROS-model in Belgium

The Eulerian Chemistry-Transport Model BelEUROS was used to calculate the concentrations of airborne PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 over Europe. Both primary as well as secondary particulate matter in the respirable size-range was taken into account. Especially PM_2.5 aerosols are often formed in the atmosphere from gaseous precursor compounds. Comprehensive computer codes for the calculation of gas phase chemical reactions and thermodynamic equilibria between compounds in the gas-phase and the particulate phase had been implemented into the BelEUROS-model. Calculated concentrations of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 are compared to observations, including both the spatial and daily, temporal distribution of particulate matter in Belgium for certain monitoring locations and periods. The concentrations of the secondary compounds ammonium, nitrate and sulfate have also been compared to observed values. BelEUROS was found to reproduce the observed concentrations rather well. The model was applied to assess the contribution of emissions derived from the sector agriculture in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, to PM₁₀- and PM_2.5-concentrations. The results demonstrate the importance of ammonia emissions in the formation of secondary particulate matter. Hence, future European emission abatement policy should consider more the role of ammonia in the formation of secondary particles.     

PM_(2.5)和甲醛联合暴露致小鼠肺损伤及其分子机制的研究

我国城市当前普遍存在室外大气PM_(2.5)与室内甲醛(FA)联合污染状况,二者均被报道在单独暴露下可以导致肺损伤并诱导和诱发哮喘的急性发作,但其联合污染的具体效应,以及分子机制目前尚不清楚。为探究PM_(2.5)和/或甲醛暴露对小鼠的肺损伤及其可能的机制,分别将雄性Balb/c小鼠分为以下6组:对照组,AZD8055组,PM_(2.5)组,FA组,PM_(2.5)+FA组,PM_(2.5)+FA+AZD8055组。染毒结束后,观察肺组织病理学变化;检测肺组织氧化损伤,活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS),还原型谷胱甘肽(glutathione,GSH)和丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)的含量,DNA损伤,DNA-蛋白质交联(DNA-protein crosslink,DPC)系数和8羟基脱氧鸟苷(8-OH-d G)的含量,以及细胞凋亡、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3(Caspase-3)的含量。结果表明,当吸入气态甲醛浓度为3 mg·m-3,气道滴注PM_(2.5)浓度为2.5 mg·m L-1时,肺组织出现不同程度的支气管重塑和炎症细胞浸润。ROS显著上升,GSH显著下降,DPC、8-OH-d G以及Caspase-3都显著上升。添加AZD8055后,肺组织损伤效应更加显著。PM_(2.5)复合甲醛的暴露导致小鼠肺损伤具有协同作用,氧化应激及其下游的DNA损伤可能是甲醛联合PM_(2.5)致小鼠肺损伤的一种重要机制。     

Characterization of chemical species in universal sampler (PM2.5 and PM2.5–10) aerosols in suburban area of central Taiwan

Aerosol samples of particulate and chemical species for PM₁₀ (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 10 μm) collected by Universal sampler were studied from June to August 1998 in the suburban area of central Taiwan. The ratios of PM_2.5/PM_2.5–10 displayed that the fine particles (particle size < 2.5 μm) are prevailing in the suburban site. Ion Chromatography was used to analyze for the water‐soluble ions: sulphate and nitrate in the Universal samples. Also, the collected samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for the elemental analysis of Ca, Fe, Pb, Cu and Cr. The results indicated that the crustal elements (Ca and Fe) and resuspended matters were dominated in the coarse particulate mode while the anthropogenic elements (Cr, Pb, Cu) and sulphate components are mainly in the fine particle fraction. The results also showed that the sulphate and nitrate make the largest portion of the chemical species collected by Universal sampler (PMio). The concentrations of heavy metals in THU are generally high, owing to the higher motor vehicle and industrial density nearby. The degree of pollution from this source differs from day to day, depending on the motor vehicle density.     

Cluster analysis of inorganic elements in particulate matter in the air environment of an equatorial urban coastal location

Concentrations of nine inorganic elements (Na, Zn, Ca, Fe, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cd and Al) in particulate matter (PM₁₀) in the air of an equatorial urban coastal location during 2009 were studied during summer and winter monsoon seasons using high-volume sampling techniques. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyse the samples. The concentrations of most inorganic elements were higher during summer than winter, except for Cu and Zn. The main inorganic elements in PM₁₀ are Na, Zn and Ca. High concentrations of Na and Ca are due to marine aerosols. Analysis of enrichment factors showed that inorganic elements are from non-crustal sources. Cluster analysis identified five clusters in the summer and six in the winter: (1) PM₁₀–Ni, (2) Zn–Na, (3) Fe–Cu–Ca–Cd, (4) Mn and (5) Al for summer; and (1) PM₁₀, (2) Zn, (3) Fe–Ni, (4) Cu–Ca–Na–Cd, (5) Mn and (6) Al for winter. Combining both correlation and cluster analysis, it was found that Fe–Cu–Cd was from industry/vehicle emissions, Zn was from resuspended soil, Mn was from metallurgical processes, Ni was from a nearby power plant and Al was from crustal sources. Inorganic element concentrations could be a good indicator of local sources of PM₁₀.     

Study on particulate matter air pollution,source origin,and human health risk based of PM10 metal content in Volos City,Greece

Investigations on the fluctuation in PM₁₀ air pollution in Volos, a medium-sized industrialized port city in the Mediterranean, are presented for the 5-year period between 2009 and 2014. The levels detected have been examined in relation to legislatively set limits, sampling year, and day of the week. A PM₁₀ spring sampling campaign has been performed in 2014 and metals and other elements in the PM₁₀ mass have been quantified. Source origin has been attempted for the latter sampling campaign and human health risk has been assessed. Results show compliance with the mean annual value of 40 μg m^?3 of 2008/50/EC for the city; however, exceedances of the daily quality standard of 50 μg m^?3 were frequently recorded. Shifts in PM₁₀ concentrations and in contributing sources have been recorded; nevertheless, longer duration data series are needed for safe deductions. Element measurements have enabled source identification for early summer of 2014, with Earth's crust minerals and anthropogenic sources being the main factors. Cumulative non-carcinogenic risk may exceed the threshold value of 1. Possible involvement of sea salt aerosol and desert dust long-range transport has also been assessed. These results may furnish databases on PM pollution of Greek cities as well as other Mediterranean urban centers with similar characteristics.     

Source identification of particulate matter and associated intake of elements through inhalation in an industrial area of Odisha,India

Particulate matter concentrations were measured in an industrial region in the Ganjam district of Odisha. The average levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM) were measured to be 142 ± 8 and PM₁₀ of particulate matter with a size of less than 10 micrometers (PM₁₀) to be 50 ± 15 μg m^?3. Out of the 14 elements determined, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, and K contributed more than 95% of the total weight. In enrichment factors, the trace elements, i.e., Zn, Pb, Cd, and Hg were observed to be highly enriched in the SPM and PM₁₀. Factor analysis indicates that more than 75% of the variance was due to five component factors, which have eigenvalues greater than 1. Intake of elements through inhalation route to adults has been estimated.     

Mitochondrial toxicity and in vitro biological effects of ambient PM2.5 from an urban site in China

Abstract

The roles of PM_2.5-induced mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress on mast cell degranulation were examined in vitro. Mast cells were treated with suspensions of PM_2.5 in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium at concentrations from 25 to 200?mg/L in the absence or presence of 10?mmol/L N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Biological effects and mitochondrial function were assessed by determining cell viability, β-hexosaminidase release, interleukin-4 secretion, reactive oxygen species generation, adenosine triphosphate production, potential alteration of mitochondrial membrane, and activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes I and III. Exposure of mast cells to PM_2.5 induced reduction of adenosine triphosphate production, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibition of the activity of complex III. Co-treatment of mast cells exposed to PM_2.5 with N-acetyl-L-cysteine attenuated cytotoxicity and the production of reactive oxygen species, and decreased the release of β-hexosaminidase and interleukin-4. Evidently, PM_2.5-induced oxidative stress plays an essential role in mitochondrial toxicity and mast cell activation.     

细颗粒物(PM_(2.5))主要组分模拟溶液对发光细菌的光抑制分析

为明确NH_4~+、 NO_3~-、SO_4~(2-)及金属等组分在水溶性提取液对发光细菌的光抑制过程中所起的作用,参照PM_(2.5)样品提取液浓度,模拟配制与3级以上PM_(2.5)样品提取液中主要组分:硫酸盐、硝酸盐、氨盐相同浓度的溶液,同时选取与PM_(2.5)可溶性提取液发光抑制率相关性较强的铅、锌,配制不同浓度级别模拟溶液,测试各单一组分对发光细菌的发光抑制率及其混合溶液对发光细菌的联合影响效应。基于毒性单位法(TU)、相加指数法(AI)和混合毒性指数法(MTI)评价了混合体系联合影响的作用类型。结果表明,与3~6级PM_(2.5)可溶性提取液中硫酸氨、硫酸氢氨、硝酸氨、硫酸锌和硝酸铅浓度相同的模拟溶液对发光细菌的发光没有抑制作用。不同的评价方法对PM_(2.5)主要组分混合体系联合效应评价结果具有较好的一致性,硫酸氨、硝酸氨、硫酸氢氨混合溶液中,对发光细菌的光抑制均为硫酸氢氨的独立作用,硫酸锌与硝酸铅的混合体系,锌和铅对发光细菌的联合影响效应表现为协同,硫酸氨、硝酸氨、硫酸氢氨与硫酸锌、硝酸铅的多元混合体系呈现协同作用。     

贵阳市冬季PM_(2.5)中典型重金属元素的化学形态分析与健康风险评价

为了更准确地研究重金属的生物有效性和对环境与人体的潜在生态危害,采用改进BCR法分析了贵阳市冬季PM_(2.5)中Cu、Mn、Co、Cd、Pb这5种重金属元素的化学形态,并评价了它们的生物有效性和健康风险。结果表明:不同重金属元素形态分布存在差异,Cu主要是弱酸溶态,其次是可氧化态;Mn主要是弱酸溶态,其次是残渣态;Co没有检测出可还原态,而在其他3种形态分布比较平均;Pb和Cd绝大部分都是弱酸溶态。生物有效性系数(K)分析结果表明:重金属生物有效性强弱顺序为CdPbMnCuCo,其中Cd和Pb的K0.8,属于生物可利用性元素;Mn、Cu、Co的K值在0.4~0.7之间,属于潜在生物可利用性元素。健康风险评价表明:成人的致癌风险比儿童大,尤其Cd对成年人存在潜在的致癌风险,且成年男性高于成年女性;Mn存在潜在非致癌风险,且对儿童的风险最大。     

Platinum in PM2.5 of the metropolitan area of Mexico City

The increase in platinum (Pt) in the airborne particulate matter with size ≤2.5 µm (PM_2.5) in urban environments may be interpreted as result of the abrasion and deterioration of automobile catalyst. Nowadays, about four million vehicles in Mexico City use catalytic converters, which means that their impact should be considered. In order to evaluate the contribution of Pt to environmental pollution of the metropolitan area of Mexico City (MAMC), airborne PM_2.5 was collected at five different sites in the urban area (NW, NE, C, SW, SE) in 2011 during April (dry-warm season), August (rainy season) and December (dry-cold season). Analytical determinations were carried out using a ICP-MS with a collision cell and kinetic energy discrimination. The analytical and instrument performance was evaluated with standard road dust reference material (BCR-723). Median Pt concentration in the analyzed particulate was is 38.4 pg m^?3 (minimal value 1 pg m^?3 maximal value 79 pg m^?3). Obtained Pt concentrations are higher than those reported for other urban areas. Spatial variation shows that SW had Pt concentration significantly higher than NW and C only. Seasonal variation shows that Pt median was higher in rainy season than in both dry seasons. A comparison of these results with previously reported data of PM₁₀ from 1991 and 2003 in the same studied area shows a worrying increase in the concentration of Pt in the air environment of MAMC.     

Characteristics,sources and health risk assessment of toxic heavy metals in PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript> at a megacity of southwest China

Twenty trace elements in fine particulate matters (i.e., PM_2.5) at urban Chengdu, a southwest megacity of China, were determined to study the characteristics, sources and human health risk of particulate toxic heavy metals. This work mainly focused on eight toxic heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn). The average concentration of PM_2.5 was 165.1 ± 84.7 µg m^?3 during the study period, significantly exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (35 µg m^?3 in annual average). The particulate heavy metal pollution was very serious in which Cd and As concentrations in PM_2.5 significantly surpassed the WHO standard. The enrichment factor values of heavy metals were typically higher than 10, suggesting that they were mainly influenced by anthropogenic sources. More specifically, the Cr, Mn and Ni were slightly enriched, Cu was highly enriched, while As, Cd, Pb and Zn were severely enriched. The results of correlation analysis showed that Cd may come from metallurgy and mechanical manufacturing emissions, and the other metals were predominately influenced by traffic emissions and coal combustion. The results of health risk assessment indicated that As, Mn and Cd would pose a significant non-carcinogenic health risk to both children and adults, while Cr would cause carcinogenic risk. Other toxic heavy metals were within a safe level.     

Trace element concentration in fine particulate matter (PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>) and their bioavailability in different microenvironments in Agra,India: a case study

Exposure to airborne particulate matter results in the deposition of millions of particle in the lung; consequently, there is need for monitoring them particularly in indoor environments. Case study was conducted in three different microenvironments, i.e., urban, rural and roadside to examine the elemental bioavailability in fine particulate matter and its potential health risk. The samples were collected on polytetrafluoroethylene filter paper with the help of fine particulate sampler during August–September, 2012. The average mass concentration of PM_2.5 was 71.23 µg m^?3 (rural), 45.33 µg m^?3 (urban) and 36.71 µg m^?3 (roadside). Elements in PM_2.5 were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Percentage bioavailability was determined to know the amount of soluble fraction that is actually taken across the cell membrane through inhalation pathway. Cadmium and lead were found to have cancer risk in a risk evaluation using an Integrated Risk Information system.     

Water-soluble inorganic ions in airborne particulates from the nano to coarse mode: a case study of aerosol episodes in southern region of Taiwan

In 2004, airborne particulate matter (PM) was collected for several aerosol episodes occurring in the southern region of Taiwan. The particulate samples were taken using both a MOUDI (Micro-orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor) and a nano-MOUDI sampler. These particulate samples were analyzed for major water-soluble ionic species with an emphasis to characterize the mass concentrations and distributions of these ions in the ambient ultrafine (PM_0.1, diameter <0.1 μm) and nano mode (PM_nano, diameter <0.056 μm) particles. Particles collected at the sampling site (the Da-Liao station) on the whole exhibited a typical tri-modal size distribution on mass concentration. The mass concentration ratios of PM_nano/PM_2.5, PM_0.1/PM_2.5, and PM₁/PM_2.5 on average were 1.8, 2.9, and 71.0%, respectively. The peak mass concentration appeared in the submicron particle mode (0.1 μm < diameter <1.0 μm). Mass fractions (percentages) of the three major water-soluble ions (nitrate, sulfate, and ammonium) as a group in PM_nano, PM_0.1, PM₁, and PM_2.5 were 18.4, 21.7, 50.0, and 50.7%, respectively. Overall, results from this study supported the notion that secondary aerosols played a significant role in the formation of ambient submicron particulates (PM_0.1−1). Particles smaller than 0.1 μm were essentially basic, whereas those greater than 2.5 μm were neutral or slightly acidic. The neutralization ratio (NR) was close to unity for airborne particles with diameters ranging from 0.18 to 1 μm. The NRs of these airborne particles were found strongly correlated with their sizes, at least for samples taken during the aerosol episodes under study. Insofar as this study is exploratory in nature, as only a small number of particulate samples were used, there appears to be a need for further research into the chemical composition, source contribution, and formation of the nano and ultrafine mode airborne particulates.     

Trace metal content in inhalable particulate matter (PM<Subscript>2.5–10</Subscript> and PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>) collected from historical mine waste deposits using a laboratory-based approach

Mine wastes and tailings are considered hazardous to human health because of their potential to generate large quantities of highly toxic emissions of particulate matter (PM). Human exposure to As and other trace metals in PM may occur via inhalation of airborne particulates or through ingestion of contaminated dust. This study describes a laboratory-based method for extracting PM_2.5–10 (coarse) and PM_2.5 (fine) particles from As-rich mine waste samples collected from an historical gold mining region in regional, Victoria, Australia. We also report on the trace metal and metalloid content of the coarse and fine fraction, with an emphasis on As as an element of potential concern. Laser diffraction analysis showed that the proportions of coarse and fine particles in the bulk samples ranged between 3.4–26.6 and 0.6–7.6 %, respectively. Arsenic concentrations were greater in the fine fraction (1680–26,100 mg kg^?1) compared with the coarse fraction (1210–22,000 mg kg^?1), and Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sb and Zn were found to be present in the fine fraction at levels around twice those occurring in the coarse. These results are of particular concern given that fine particles can accumulate in the human respiratory system. Our study demonstrates that mine wastes may be an important source of metal-enriched PM for mining communities.     

Exposure assessment,chemical characterization and source identification of PM2.5 for school children and industrial downwind residents in Guangzhou,China

To assess the exposure doses of PM_2.5 and to investigate its chemical components for the subpopulation (i.e., school children and industrial downwind residents), simultaneous sampling of indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 was conducted at an elementary school close to traffic arteries and a residence located in the downwind area of a steel plant in metropolitan Guangzhou in 2010. Chemical components, i.e., organic carbon, elemental carbon and 6 water soluble ions were analyzed in PM_2.5. A survey was also conducted to investigate the time-activity patterns of the school children and the industrial downwind residents. Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 were 63.2 ± 20.1 and (76.7 ± 35.8) μg/m³ at the school, and 118.8 ± 44.7 and 125.7 ± 57.1 μg/m³ in the community, respectively. Indoor PM_2.5 was found to be highly related to outdoor sources, and stationary sources were the significant contributors to PM_2.5 at both sites. The daily average doses of PM_2.5 for the school children at the school (D _children) and the industrial downwind residents in the community (D _residents) were (7.6 ± 1.9) and (36.1 ± 36.8) μg/kg-day, respectively. The daily average doses of particulate organic mass and SO₄ ^2? were the two most abundant chemical components in PM_2.5. PM_2.5 exposure for the school children was contributed by indoor and outdoor environments by 48.8 and 51.2 %, respectively; for the industrial downwind residents, the contributions were 66.0 and 34.0 %, respectively. Age and body weight were significantly and negatively correlated with D _children, while age, body weight and education level were significantly and negatively correlated with D _residents; gender was not a significant factor at both cases.     

Metal characterization of airborne particulate matters in a coastal region

The concentrations of suspended particulate matter in the air of the Orissa Sand Complex had an average value of 128 ± 10 µg m^?3 in residential areas and 170 ± 8 µg m^?3 in mining areas. PM₁₀ levels in residential areas were found to have an average of 35 ± 10 µg m^?3, in mining areas 45 ± 10 µg m^?3. The distribution of some elements is also discussed here. Inhalation doses were observed to be higher in summer than in winter and the rainy season. The highest dose rate was for the age group of 1 year, and health risks were found to be highest for the same. For adults, inhalation dose and health risk are 1.3 times higher in mining than in residential areas.     

Air pollutant levels are 12 times higher than guidelines in Varanasi,India. Sources and transfer

Air quality in an urban atmosphere is regulated by both local and distant emission sources. For air quality management in urban areas, identification of sources and their relationships with local meteorology and air pollutants are essential. The critical condition of air quality in Indo-Gangetic plain is well known, but lack of data on both local and distant emission sources limits the scope of improving air quality in this region. Concentrations of particulate matter of size lower than 10 μm (PM₁₀) were assessed in the highly urbanized Varanasi city situated in middle Indo-Gangetic plain of India from 2014 to 2017, to identify the distant air pollution sources based on trajectory statistical models and local sources by conditional bivariate probability function. Modifying effects of meteorology and air pollutants on PM₁₀ were also explored. Mean PM₁₀ concentration for the study period was 244.8 ± 135.8 μg m^?3, which was 12 times higher than the WHO annual guideline. Several distinct sources of traffic as the major source of PM₁₀ were identified in the city. Trajectory statistical models like cluster analysis, potential source contribution function and concentration-weighted trajectory showed significant contributions from north-west and eastern directions in the transport of polluted air masses to the city. Dew point, wind speed, temperature and ventilation coefficient are the major factors in PM₁₀ formation and dispersion.     

Seasonal variations of transport pathways and potential sources of PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript> in Chengdu,China (2012–2013)

Seasonal pattern of transport pathways and potential sources of PM_2.5 in Chengdu during 2012–2013 were investigated based on hourly PM_2.5 data, backward trajectories, clustering analysis, potential source contribution function (PSCF), and concentration-weighted trajectory (CWT) method. The annual hourly mean PM_2.5 concentration in Chengdu was 97.4 mg·m^–3. 5, 5, 5 and 3 mean clusters were generated in four seasons, respectively. Short-distance air masses, which travelled within the Sichuan Basin with no specific source direction and relatively high PM_2.5 loadings (>80 mg·m^–3) appeared as important pathways in all seasons. These short pathways indicated that emissions from both local and surrounding regions of Chengdu contributed significantly to PM_2.5 pollution. The cities in southern Chengdu were major potential sources with PSCF>0.6 and CWT>90 mg·m^–3. The northeastern pathway prevailed throughout the year with higher frequency in autumn and winter and lower frequency in spring and summer. In spring, long-range transport from southern Xinjiang was a representative dust invasion path to Chengdu, and the CWT values along the path were 30-60 mg·m^–3. Long-range transport was also observed in autumn from southeastern Xinjiang along a northwesterly pathway, and in winter from the Tibetan Plateau along a westerly pathway. In summer, the potential source regions of Chengdu were smaller than those in other seasons, and no long-range transport pathway was observed. Results of PSCF and CWT indicated that regions in Qinghai and Tibet contributed to PM_2.5 pollution in Chengdu as well, and their CWT values increased to above 30 mg·m^–3 in winter.

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Particle size distributions, PM2.5 concentrations and water-soluble inorganic ions in different public indoor environments: a case study in Jinan, China

In this study, we collected particles with aerodynamic diameter ?2.5 μm (PM_2.5) from three different public indoor places (a supermarket, a commercial office, and a university dining hall) in Jinan, a medium-sized city located in northern China. Water-soluble inorganic ions of PM_2.5 and particle size distributions were also measured. Both indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 levels (102.3–143.8 μg·m^?3 and 160.2–301.3 μg·m^?3, respectively) were substantially higher than the value recommended by the World Health Organization (25 μg·m^?3), and outdoor sources were found to be the major contributors to indoor pollutants. Diurnal particle number size distributions were different, while the maximum volume concentrations all appeared to be approximately 300 nm in the three indoor locations. Concentrations of indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 were shown to exhibit the same variation trends for the supermarket and dining hall. For the office, PM_2.5 concentrations during nighttime were observed to decrease sharply. Among others, SO ₄ ^2? , NH ₄ ⁺ and NO ₃ ^? were found to be the dominant water-soluble ions of both indoor and outdoor particles. Concentrations of NO ₃ ^? in the supermarket and office during the daytime were observed to decrease sharply, which might be attributed to the fact that the indoor temperature was much higher than the outdoor temperature. In addition, domestic activities such as cleaning, water usage, cooking, and smoking also played roles in degraded indoor air quality. However, the results obtained here might be negatively impacted by the small number of samples and short sampling durations.