Sources of PM10 and PM2.5 in Cairo’s ambient air

A source attribution study was performed to assess the contributions of specific pollutant source types to the observed particulate matter (PM) levels in the greater Cairo Area using the chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor model. Three intensive ambient monitoring studies were carried out during the period of February 21–March 3, 1999, October 27–November 27, 1999, and June 8–June 26, 2002. PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured on a 24-h basis at six sampling stations during each of the intensive periods. The six intensive measurement sites represented background levels, mobile source impacts, industrial impacts, and residential exposure. Major contributors to PM₁₀ included geological material, mobile source emissions, and open burning. PM_2.5 tended to be dominated by mobile source emissions, open burning, and secondary species. This paper presents the results of the PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, source contribution estimates.     

Air Pollution Concentrations of PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 at Ambient and Kerbsite and Their Correlation in Metro City – Mumbai

Ambient concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ are of concern with respect to effects on human health and environment. Increased levels of mortality and morbidity have been associated with respirable particulate air pollution. In India, it is not yet mandatory to monitor PM_2.5 levels therefore very limited information is available on PM_2.5 levels. To understand the fine particle pollution and also correlate with PM₁₀ which are monitored regularly in compliance with ambient air quality standards. This study was carried out to monitor PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂ for about one year in a residential cum commercial area of Mumbai city with a view to understand their correlation. The average PM_2.5 concentration at ambient and Kerbsite was 43 and 69 μg/m³. The correlation coefficients between PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ at ambient and Kerbsite were 0.83 and 0.85 respectively thus indicating that most of the PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ are from similar sources. TSP, PM₁₀ levels exceeded Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) standard during winter season. PM_2.5 levels also exceeded 24 hourly average USEPA standard during winter season indicating unhealthy air quality.     

Evaluating PM₂.₅ ionic components and source apportionment in Jinan, China from 2004 to 2008 using trajectory statistical methods

The mass concentrations and major chemical components of PM(2.5) in Jinan, Shandong Province, China from Dec. 2004 to Oct. 2008 were analyzed using backward trajectory cluster analysis in conjunction with the potential source contribution function (PSCF) model. The aim of this work was to study the inter-annual variations of mass concentrations and major chemical components of PM(2.5), evaluate the air mass flow patterns and identify the potential local and regional source areas that contributed to secondary sulfate and nitrate in PM(2.5) in Jinan. The annual mean concentrations of PM(2.5), sulfate and nitrate in 2004-2008 were almost the highest in the world. The most significant air parcels contributing to the highest mean concentrations of mass and secondary ions in PM(2.5) originated from the industrialized areas of Shandong Province. Clusters with a lower ratio of NO(3)(-)/SO(4)(2-) in PM(2.5) originated from the Yellow Sea, while a higher ratio was observed in the clusters passing through Beijing and Tianjin. PSCF modeling indicated that the provinces of Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, Anhui and the Yellow Sea were the major potential source regions for sulfate, in agreement with the cluster analysis results. Regional and long-range transport of NH(4)NO(3) played an important role in the nitrate concentration of Jinan. By comparing the distributions of secondary sulfate and nitrate over three years, enhanced emission control management before and during the 29(th) Olympic Games led to a discernible decrease in source contributions from Beijing and its environs in 2007-2008.     

Characterization of As and trace metals embedded in PM10 particles in Puebla City, México

Forty-eight air-filter samples (PM₁₀) were analysed to identify the concentration level of partially leached metals (PLMs; As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and V) from Puebla City, México. Samples were collected during 2008 from four monitoring sites: (1) Tecnológico (TEC), (2) Ninfas (NIN), (3) Hermanos Serdán (HS) and (4) Agua Santa (AS). The results indicate that in TEC, As (avg. 424 ng m^?3), V (avg. 19.2 ng m^?3), Fe (avg. 1,202 ng m^?3), Cu (avg. 86.6 ng m^?3), Cr (41.9 ng m^?3) and Ni (18.6 ng m^?3) are on the higher side than other populated regions around the world. The enrichment of PLMs is due to the industrial complexes generating huge dust particles involving various operations. The results are supported by the correlation of metals (Mn, Cd and Co) with Fe indicating its anthropogenic origin and likewise, As with Cd, Co, Fe, Mn, Pb and V. The separate cluster of As, Fe and Mn clearly signifies that it is due to continuous eruption of fumaroles from the active volcano Popocatépetl in the region.