Modelling base cations in Europe—sources,transport and deposition of calcium

The deposition of the base cations calcium, magnesium and potassium from the atmosphere needs to be quantified in the calculation of the total deposited acidity in the critical loads approach. Of these base cations, calcium has been found to be the most important in terms of mass deposited. However, the sources of calcium to the atmosphere are not well understood. Recently, the first spatially disaggregated inventory of industrial calcium emissions for Europe was presented by Lee and Pacyna (1998) who estimated a total European emission of 0.7–0.8 Mt yr^-1. However, it is thought that wind blown dust from soils contributes a substantial fraction to the deposition of calcium. In this work, the source strength of calcium from arid regions within the EMEP modelling domain was estimated using the global mineral dust emission data base of Tegen and Fung (1994) and an estimation of the calcium content of soils. This results in a “natural” calcium emission of 6 Mt yr^-1. A long-range transport model, TRACK, was used to calculate the wet and dry deposition of calcium arising from these industrial and natural sources to the UK which resulted in a total deposition of 29–30 kt yr^-1. Of this annual deposition, 0.6–0.7 kt arises from cement manufacturing, 0.02–0.03 kt from iron and steel manufacturing, 0.8–0.83 kt from a large point source power generation, and 28 kt from power generation from a small boiler plant. The natural emissions of calcium from arid regions result in a deposition of calcium to the UK of 0.5 kt yr^-1. The measured wet deposition of calcium to the UK is 89 kt yr^-1 and the estimated dry deposition 14 kt yr^-1. The short-fall in the modelled deposition of calcium is thus of the order of 70 kt yr^-1, which is suggested to arise from wind-blown dust from agricultural land in the UK and mainland Europe. The estimated emissions, and thus modelled deposition are rather uncertain, such that estimating deposition of calcium attributable to agricultural soil emissions by differencing has a large uncertainty. However, this is the first such study of its kind for Europe and represents a first step towards understanding the sources of calcium and their contribution to mitigating deposited acidity from acidifying pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ammonia.     

Inventory of aerosol and sulphur dioxide emissions from India: I—Fossil fuel combustion

A comprehensive, spatially resolved (0.25°×0.25°) fossil fuel consumption database and emissions inventory was constructed, for India, for the first time. Emissions of sulphur dioxide and aerosol chemical constituents were estimated for 1996–1997 and extrapolated to the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) study period (1998–1999). District level consumption of coal/lignite, petroleum and natural gas in power plants, industrial, transportation and domestic sectors was 9411 PJ, with major contributions from coal (54%) followed by diesel (18%). Emission factors for various pollutants were derived using India specific fuel characteristics and information on combustion/air pollution control technologies for the power and industrial sectors. Domestic and transportation emission factors, appropriate for Indian source characteristics, were compiled from literature. SO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion for 1996–1997 were 4.0 Tg SO₂ yr⁻¹, with 756 large point sources (e.g. utilities, iron and steel, fertilisers, cement, refineries and petrochemicals and non-ferrous metals), accounting for 62%. PM_2.5 emitted was 0.5 and 2.0 Tg yr⁻¹ for the 100% and the 50% control scenario, respectively, applied to coal burning in the power and industrial sectors. Coal combustion was the major source of PM_2.5 (92%) primarily consisting of fly ash, accounting for 98% of the “inorganic fraction” emissions (difference between PM_2.5 and black carbon+organic matter) of 1.6 Tg yr⁻¹. Black carbon emissions were estimated at 0.1 Tg yr⁻¹, with 58% from diesel transport, and organic matter emissions at 0.3 Tg yr⁻¹, with 48% from brick-kilns. Fossil fuel consumption and emissions peaked at the large point industrial sources and 22 cities, with elevated area fluxes in northern and western India. The spatial resolution of this inventory makes it suitable for regional-scale aerosol-climate studies. These results are compared to previous studies and differences discussed. Measurements of emission factors for Indian sources are needed to further refine these estimates.     

Distribution of seasonal SO2 emissions from fuel combustion and industrial activities in Shanxi province,China, with 1/6°×1/4° longitude/latitude resolution

Spatial distribution of SO₂ emission inventory for 1994 from fuel combustion and industrial activities in Shanxi province, the Peoples’ Republic of China, has been created with 1/6°×1/4° latitude/longitude resolution. Total annual SO₂ emissions in 1994 in the province were estimated to be 669 GgS, of which 180 GgS were emitted in winter, 170 GgS in spring, 156 GgS in summer, and 163 GgS in fall. For the first time this emission inventory includes SO₂ emissions from village and township enterprises. Although SO₂ emissions from major industries were under control, SO₂ emissions from village and township enterprises became the major threat to the environment in the province.     

Identification of sources affecting fog formation using receptor modeling approaches and inventory estimates of sectoral emissions

Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to identify factors affecting fog formation in Kanpur during the ISRO-GBP land campaign-II (LC-II) in December 2004. PMF predicted factors were validated by contrasting the emission strength of sources in the foggy and clear periods, using a combination of potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis and quantitative emission inventory information. A time series aerosol chemical data set of 29 days and 12 species was decomposed to identify 4-factors: Secondary species, Biomass burning, Dust and Sea salt. PMF predicted particle mass with a satisfactory goodness-of-fit (slope of 0.83 ± 0.17 and R² of 0.8), and strong species within 11–12% relative standard deviation. Mean contributions of anthropogenic factors were significantly higher during the foggy period for secondary species (2.9 ± 0.3) and biomass burning (1.2 ± 0.09) compared to the clear period. Local sources contributing to aerosols that mediated fog events at Kanpur, based on emissions in a 200 km × 200 km area around Kanpur city were thermal power plants and transportation (SO₂) and biofuel combustion (BC and OM). Regional scale sources influencing emissions during the foggy period, in probable source regions identified by PSCF included thermal power plants, transportation, brick kilns and biofuel combustion. While biofuel combustion and transportation are distributed area sources, individual point sources include coal-fired thermal power plants located in Aligarh, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Jhansi, Kanpur, Rae Bareli and Rupnagar and brick kilns located in Allahabad, Agra, Farrukhabad, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Lucknow and Rae Bareli. Additionally, in the foggy period, large areas of probable source regions lay outside India, implying the significance of aerosol incursion from outside India.     

Ozone episodes in urban Hong Kong 1994–1999

Summer pollution episodes in Hong Kong are related to the passage of tropical storms close to the territory. Between 1994 and 1999, there were six territory-wide ozone episodes in Hong Kong during which the Hong Kong Air Quality Objective for ozone (240 μg m⁻³, 1 h) was violated. The maximum O₃ concentration for the period was 334 μg m⁻³ recorded in August 1999. Synoptically, tropical storms were in the vicinity on all the episode days. Northwesterly/westerly winds induced by the storms are believed to cause ozone precursor emissions from local power plants in the western part of Hong Kong to impact the territory, and at the same time allowing the import of emissions from upwind sources along the mainland coast. Other important meteorological factors that contribute to the occurrence of the episode events include: stable atmospheres, morning break-up of nocturnal inversions, low winds, strong solar radiation and high temperatures. Trajectory analysis of airflows at 850 hPa confirms the long-range pollutant transport. The strong correlation between non-sea-salt sulphate (NS-SO₄) and selenium for the summer of 1999 indicates that the main source of high levels of NS-SO₄ in summer in Hong Kong is coal combustion. The correlation between arsenic (As) and vanadium (V) for the summers of 1996–1999 suggests a concomitant influence of coal and residual oil combustion in the region.     

Natural and anthropogenic methane sources in New England

We have recently completed a methane emissions inventory for the New England region. Methane emissions were calculated to be 0.91 Tg yr^-1, with wetlands and landfills dominating all other sources. Wetlands are estimated to produce 0.33 Tg CH₄ yr^-1, of which 74% come from Maine. Active landfills emit an estimated 0.28 Tg CH₄ yr^-1, 60% of which are generated from twelve landfills. Although uncertainty in the estimate is greater, emissions from closed landfills are on the same order of magnitude as active landfills and wetlands; 0.25 Tg CH₄ yr^-1. Sources of moderate magnitude include ruminant animals (0.05 Tg CH₄ yr^-1) and residential wood combustion (0.03 Tg CH₄ yr^-1). Motor vehicles, natural gas, and wastewater treatment make only minor contributions. New England is heavily forested and the soil uptake of atmospheric methane in upland forests, 0.06 Tg CH₄ yr^-1, decreases emissions from soils by about 18%. Although uncertainties remain, our estimates indicate that even in a highly urbanized region such as New England, natural sources of methane make the single greatest contribution to total emissions, with state totals varying between 8% (Massachusetts) and 92% (Maine). Because emissions from only a few large landfills dominate anthropogenic sources, mitigation strategies focused on these discrete point sources should result in significant improvements in regional air quality. Current federal regulations mandate landfill gas collection at only the largest sites. Expanding recovery efforts to moderately sized landfills through either voluntary compliance or further regulations offers the best opportunity to substantially reduce atmospheric methane in New England. In the short term, however, the large contribution from closed, poorly regulated landfills may make the attribution of air quality improvements difficult. Mitigation efforts toward these landfills should also be a priority.     

Application of a Lagrangian particle model to assess the impact of harbour,industrial and urban activities on air quality in the Taranto area,Italy

This paper evaluates the relative impact on air quality of harbour emissions, with respect to other emission sources located in the same area. The impact assessment study was conducted in the city of Taranto, Italy. This area was considered as representative of a typical Mediterranean harbour region, where shipping, industries and urban activities co-exist at a short distance, producing an ideal case to study the interaction among these different sources. Chemical and meteorological field campaigns were carried out to provide data to this study. An emission inventory has been developed taking into account industrial sources, traffic, domestic heating, fugitive and harbour emissions. A 3D Lagrangian particle dispersion model (SPRAY) has then been applied to the study area using reconstructed meteorological fields calculated by the diagnostic meteorological model MINERVE. 3D short term hourly concentrations have been computed for both all and specific sources. Industrial activities are found to be the main contributor to SO₂. Industry and traffic emissions are mainly responsible for NO_x simulated concentrations. CO concentrations are found to be mainly related to traffic emissions, while primary PM₁₀ simulated concentrations tend to be linked to industrial and fugitive emissions. Contributions of harbour activities to the seasonal average concentrations of SO₂ and NO_x are predicted to be up to 5 and 30 μg m⁻³, respectively to be compared to a overall peak values of 60 μg m⁻³ for SO₂ and 70 μg m⁻³ for NO_x. At selected urban monitoring stations, SO₂ and NO_x average source contributions are predicted to be both of about 9% from harbour activities, while 87% and 41% respectively of total concentrations are predicted to be of industrial origin.     

Inventory of aerosol and sulphur dioxide emissions from India. Part II—biomass combustion

A spatially resolved biomass burning data set, and related emissions of sulphur dioxide and aerosol chemical constituents was constructed for India, for 1996–1997 and extrapolated to the INDOEX period (1998–1999). Sources include biofuels (wood, crop waste and dung-cake) and forest fires (accidental, shifting cultivation and controlled burning). Particulate matter (PM) emission factors were compiled from studies of Indian cooking stoves and from literature for open burning. Black carbon (BC) and organic matter (OM) emissions were estimated from these, accounting for combustion temperatures in cooking stoves. Sulphur dioxide emission factors were based on fuel sulphur content and reported literature measurements. Biofuels accounted 93% of total biomass consumption (577 MT yr⁻¹), with forest fires contributing only 7%. The national average biofuel mix was 56 : 21 : 23% of fuelwood, crop waste and dung-cake, respectively. Compared to fossil fuels, biomass combustion was a minor source of SO₂ (7% of total), with higher emissions from dung-cake because of its higher sulphur content. PM_2.5 emissions of 2.04 Tg yr⁻¹ with an “inorganic fraction” of 0.86 Tg yr⁻¹ were estimated. Biomass combustion was the major source of carbonaceous aerosols, accounting 0.25 Tg yr⁻¹ of BC (72% of total) and 0.94 Tg yr⁻¹ of OM (76% of total). Among biomass, fuelwood and crop waste were primary contributors to BC emissions, while dung-cake and forest fires were primary contributors to OM emissions. Northern and the east-coast India had high densities of biomass consumption and related emissions. Measurements of emission factors of SO₂, size resolved aerosols and their chemical constituents for Indian cooking stoves are needed to refine the present estimates.     

Establishment of a database of emission factors for atmospheric pollutants from Chinese coal-fired power plants

Field measurements and data investigations were conducted for developing an emission factor database for inventories of atmospheric pollutants from Chinese coal-fired power plants. Gaseous pollutants and particulate matter (PM) of different size fractions were measured using a gas analyzer and an electric low-pressure impactor (ELPI), respectively, for ten units in eight coal-fired power plants across the country. Combining results of field tests and literature surveys, emission factors with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by boiler type, fuel quality, and emission control devices using bootstrap and Monte Carlo simulations. The emission factor of uncontrolled SO₂ from pulverized combustion (PC) boilers burning bituminous or anthracite coal was estimated to be 18.0S kg t^?1 (i.e., 18.0 × the percentage sulfur content of coal, S) with a 95% CI of 17.2S–18.5S. NO_X emission factors for pulverized-coal boilers ranged from 4.0 to 11.2 kg t^?1, with uncertainties of 14–45% for different unit types. The emission factors of uncontrolled PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and total PM emitted by PC boilers were estimated to be 0.4A (where A is the percentage ash content of coal), 1.5A and 6.9A kg t^?1, respectively, with 95% CIs of 0.3A–0.5A, 1.1A–1.9A and 5.8A–7.9A. The analogous PM values for emissions with electrostatic precipitator (ESP) controls were 0.032A (95% CI: 0.021A–0.046A), 0.065A (0.039A–0.092A) and 0.094A (0.0656A–0.132A) kg t^?1, and 0.0147A (0.0092–0.0225A), 0.0210A (0.0129A–0.0317A), and 0.0231A (0.0142A–0.0348A) for those with both ESP and wet flue-gas desulfurization (wet-FGD). SO₂ and NO_X emission factors for Chinese power plants were smaller than those of U.S. EPA AP-42 database, due mainly to lower heating values of coals in China. PM emission factors for units with ESP, however, were generally larger than AP-42 values, because of poorer removal efficiencies of Chinese dust collectors. For units with advanced emission control technologies, more field measurements are needed to reduce emission factor uncertainties.     

Global atmospheric emission inventory of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for 2004

The global atmospheric emissions of the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) listed as the US EPA priority pollutants were estimated using reported emission activity and emission factor data for the reference year 2004. A database for emission factors was compiled, and their geometric means and frequency distributions applied for emission calculation and uncertainty analysis, respectively. The results for 37 countries were compared with other PAH emission inventories. It was estimated that the total global atmospheric emission of these 16 PAHs in 2004 was 520 giga grams per year (Gg y^?1) with biofuel (56.7%), wildfire (17.0%) and consumer product usage (6.9%) as the major sources, and China (114 Gg y^?1), India (90 Gg y^?1) and United States (32 Gg y^?1) were the top three countries with the highest PAH emissions. The PAH sources in the individual countries varied remarkably. For example, biofuel burning was the dominant PAH source in India, wildfire emissions were the dominant PAH source in Brazil, while consumer products were the major PAH emission source in the United States. In China, in addition to biomass combustion, coke ovens were a significant source of PAHs. Globally, benzo(a)pyrene accounted for 0.05% to 2.08% of the total PAH emission, with developing countries accounting for the higher percentages. The PAH emission density varied dramatically from 0.0013 kg km^?2 y in the Falkland Islands to 360 kg km^?2 y in Singapore with a global mean value of 3.98 kg km^?2 y. The atmospheric emission of PAHs was positively correlated to the country's gross domestic product and negatively correlated with average income. Finally, a linear bivariate regression model was developed to explain the global PAH emission data.     

Interspecies and interregional comparisons of the chemistry of PAHs and trace elements in mosses Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) B.S.G. and Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. from Poland and Alaska

Comparative biogeochemical studies performed on the same plant species in remote areas enable pinpointing interspecies and interregional differences of chemical composition. This report presents baseline concentrations of PAHs and trace elements in moss species Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi from the Holy Cross Mountains (south-central Poland) (HCM) and Wrangell–Saint Elias National Park and Preserve (Alaska) and Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska). Total PAH concentrations in the mosses of HCM were in the range of 473–2970 μg kg^?1 (dry weight basis; DW), whereas those in the same species of Alaska were 80–3390 μg kg^?1 DW. Nearly all the moss samples displayed the similar ring sequence: 3 > 4 > 5 > 6 for the PAHs. The 3 + 4 ring/total PAH ratios show statistically significant differences between HCM (0.73) and Alaska (0.91). The elevated concentrations of PAHs observed in some sampling locations of the Alaskan parks were linked to local combustion of wood, with a component of vehicle particle- and vapor-phase emissions. In HCM, the principal source of PAH emissions has been linked to residential and industrial combustion of coal and vehicle traffic. In contrast to HCM, the Alaskan mosses were distinctly elevated in most of the trace elements, bearing a signature of the underlying geology. H. splendens and P. schreberi showed diverse bioaccumulative capabilities of PAHs in all three study areas.     

Size distribution and anthropogenic sources apportionment of airborne trace metals in Kanazawa,Japan

Aerosol samples were collected from Kanazawa, Japan to examine the size distribution of 12 elements and to identify the major sources of anthropogenic elements. Key emission sources were identified and, concentrations contributed from individual sources were estimated as well. Concentrations of elements V, Ca, Cd, Fe, Ba, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sr, Zn, Co and Cu in aerosols were determined with ICP-MS. The results showed that Ca, Mg, Sr, Mn, Co and Fe were mainly associated with coarse particles (>2.1 μm), primarily from natural sources. In contrast, the elements Zn, Ba, Cd, V, Pb and Cu dominated in fine aerosol particles (<2.1 μm), implying that the anthropogenic origin is the dominant source. Results of the factor analysis on elements with high EF_Crust values (>10) showed that emissions from waste combustion in incinerators, oil combustion (involving waste oil burning and oil combustion in both incinerators and electricity generation plants), as well as coal combustion in electricity generation plants were major contributors of anthropogenic metals in the ambient atmosphere in Kanazawa. Quantitatively estimated sum of mean concentrations of anthropogenic elements from the key sources were in good agreement with the observed values. Results of this study elucidate the need for making pollution control strategy in this area.     

Isotopes as tracers of sources of lead and strontium in aerosols (TSP & PM2.5) in Beijing

Even after its being phased out in gasoline in the late 90s, lead (Pb) is still present at relatively high levels in the atmosphere of Beijing, China (0.10–0.18 μg m^?3). Its origin is subject to debate as several distinct sources may contribute to the observed pollution levels. This study proposes to constrain the origin(s) of Pb and strontium (Sr) in aerosols, by coupling both Pb and Sr isotope systematics. The characterisation of the main pollution sources (road traffic, smelters, metal refining plants, coal combustion, cement factories, and soil erosion) shows that they can unambiguously be discriminated by the multi-isotope approach (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr). The study of total suspended particulates (TSP) and fine particles (PM_2.5) from Beijing and its vicinity indicates that both size fractions are controlled by the same sources. Lead isotopes indicate that metal refining plants are the major source of atmospheric lead, followed by thermal power stations and other coal combustion processes. The role of this latter source is confirmed by the study of strontium isotopes. Occasionally, emissions from cement plants and/or input from soil alteration are isotopically detectable.     

Atmospheric emissions of F,As, Se,Hg, and Sb from coal-fired power and heat generation in China

Coal is one of the major energy resources in China, with nearly half of produced Chinese coal used for power and heat generation. The large use of coal for power and heat generation in China may result in significant atmospheric emissions of toxic volatile trace elements (i.e. F, As, Se, Hg, and Sb). For the purpose of estimating the atmospheric emissions from coal-fired power and heat generation in China, a simple method based on coal consumption, concentration and emission factor of trace element was adopted to calculate the gaseous emissions of elements F, As, Se, Hg, and Sb. Results indicate that about 162 161, 236, 637, 172, and 33 t F, As, Se, Hg, and Sb, respectively, were introduced into atmosphere from coal combustion by power and heat generation in China in 2009. The atmospheric emissions of F, As, Se, Hg, and Sb by power and heat generation increased from 2005 to 2009 with increasing coal consumptions.     

Modelling study of the impact of isoprene and terpene biogenic emissions on European ozone levels

The impact of biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions on European ozone distributions has not yet been evaluated in a comprehensive way. Using the CHIMERE chemistry-transport model the variability of surface ozone levels from April to September for 4 years (1997, 2000, 2001, 2003) resulting from biogenic emissions is investigated. It is shown that BVOC emissions increased on average summer daily ozone maxima over Europe by 2.5 ppbv (5%). The impact is most significant in Portugal (up to 15 ppbv) and in the Mediterranean region (about 5 ppbv), being smaller in the northern part of Europe (1.3 ppbv north of 47.5°N). The average impact is rather similar for the three summers (1997, 2000, 2001), but is much larger during the extraordinarily hot summer of 2003. Here, the biogenic contribution to surface ozone doubles compared to other years at some locations. Interaction with anthropogenic NO_x emissions is found to be a key process for ozone production of biogenic precursors. Comparing the impact of the state-of-the-art BVOC emission inventory compiled within the NatAir project and an earlier, widely used BVOC inventory derived from Simpson et al. [1999. Inventorying emissions from nature in Europe. Journal of Geophysical Research 104(D7), 8113–8152] on surface ozone shows that ozone produced from biogenic precursors is less in central and northern Europe but in certain southern areas much higher e.g. Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea. The uncertainty in the regionally averaged impact of BVOC on ozone build-up in Europe is estimated to be ±50%.     

Sub-region (district) and sector level SO2 and NOx emissions for India: assessment of inventories and mitigation flexibility

Sub-regional and sector level distribution of SO₂ and NO_x emissions inventories for India have been estimated for all the 466 Indian districts using base data for years 1990 and 1995. Although, national level emissions provide general guidelines for assessing mitigation alternatives, but significant regional and sectoral variability exist in Indian emissions. Districts reasonably capture this variability to a fine grid as 80% of these districts are smaller than 1°×1° resolution with 60% being smaller than even 1/2°×1/2°. Moreover, districts in India have well-established administrative and institutional mechanisms that would be useful for implementing and monitoring measures. District level emission estimates thus offer a finer regional scale inventory covering the combined interests of the scientific community and policy makers. The inventory assessment methodology adopted is similar to that prescribed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The sectoral decomposition at district level includes emissions from fossil fuel combustion, non-energy emissions from industrial activities and agriculture. Total SO₂ and NO_x emissions from India were 3542 and 2636 Gg, respectively (1990) and 4638 and 3462 Gg (1995) growing at annual rate of around 5.5%. The sectoral composition of SO₂ emissions indicates a predominance of electric power generation sector (46%). Power and transport sector emissions equally dominate NO_x emissions contributing nearly 30% each. However, majority of power plants are situated in predominantly rural districts while the latter are concentrated in large urban centers. Mitigation efforts for transport sector NO_x emissions would therefore be higher. The district level analysis indicates diverse spatial distribution with the top 5% emitting districts contributing 46.5 and 33.3% of total national SO₂ and NO_x emissions, respectively. This skewed emission pattern, with a few districts, sectors and point sources emitting significant SO₂ and NO_x, offers mitigation flexibility to policy makers for cost-effective mitigation.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric particles in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre,Brazil

The aim of the present study is to identify and quantify the main sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with aerosols (PM₁₀) collected at three different sampling stations: 8° Distrito, CEASA and Charqueadas. The samples were collected between November 2001 and November 2002, and the concentrations of 16 major PAHs were determined according to EPA. The filters containing particulate matter were extracted with dichloromethane in Soxhlet and the extracts were later analysed in a gaseous chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GS/MS). The average concentrations of PAHs ranged between 0.04 and 2.30 ng m⁻³. The analysis of principal components was applied to the chemical and meteorological variables in order to facilitate the identification of sources of PAHs emission into the atmospheric particulate. The study identified the following sources of PAHs: vehicular emissions, such as diesel oil, petrol, alcohol, and kerosene; industrial emissions, like lubricating oils; emissions from hospital waste burning, and coal burning at power plants.     

Chemical and strontium isotope characterization of rainwater in Beijing,China

Major ion concentrations and Sr isotope ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) were measured in rainwater samples collected at an urban site in Beijing over a period of one year. The pH value and major ion concentrations of samples varied considerably, and about 50% of the rainwater studied here were acidic rain with pH values less than 5.0. Ca²⁺ and NH₄⁺ were the dominant cations in rainwaters and their volume weighted mean (VWM) values were 608 μeq l^?1 (14–1781 μeq l^?1) and 186 μeq l^?1 (48–672 μeq l^?1), respectively. SO₄^2? was the predominant anion with VWM value of 316 μeq l^?1 (65–987 μeq l^?1), next was NO₃^? with VWM value of 109 μeq l^?1 (30–382 μeq l^?1).Using Na as an indicator of marine origin, and Al for the terrestrial inputs, the proportions of sea salt and terrestrial elements were estimated from elemental ratios. More than 99% of Ca²⁺ and 98% of SO₄^2? in rainwater samples are non-sea-salt origin. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios were used to characterize the different sources based on the data sets of this study and those from literatures. Such sources include sea salts (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr～0.90917), soluble soil dust minerals originating from either local or the desert and loess areas (～0.7111), and anthropogenic sources (fertilizers, coal combustion and automobile exhausts). The high concentrations of alkaline ions (mainly Ca²⁺) in Beijing atmosphere have played an important role to neutralize the acidity of rainwater. However, it is worth noting that there is a remarkable acidification trend of rainwater in Beijing recent years.     

Atmospheric emission of polychlorinated biphenyls from multiple industrial thermal processes

In this study, field measurements were conducted to estimate and characterize the atmospheric emission levels and profiles of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from multiple industrial thermal processes. The emission levels and profiles of PCBs from five types of thermal processes at twenty-three plants were studied and compared with eight processes reported in our previous studies. Correlation analysis was preformed to identify a marker congener for emission of ΣPCB. A significant correlation was observed between congener CB-118 and ΣPCB (R² = 0.65 and p < 0.01), which suggests that CB-118 is a good marker congener for emission of ΣPCB. The profiles of PCBs emitted from the thirteen thermal processes were compared, and this information could be used for studying source–receptor relationships and identifying the specific sources of PCBs. To prioritize the sources for control, the concentrations of PCBs from thirteen industrial thermal sources were compared. The PCB concentrations from secondary zinc smelting and thermal wire reclamation were about one to three order magnitude higher than those of other sources, which suggests that these two sources be given priority in PCB source control. Finally, the atmospheric emission factors of PCBs from the thirteen industrial sources were summarized, and these data will be useful for developing an integrated emission inventory of PCBs.     

Characterization,identification of road dust PAHs in central Shanghai areas,China

Road dust samples were collected from central Shanghai in winter (January) and summer (August), respectively. Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) priority-controlled list were determined by GC/MS. Total PAH (t-PAH) concentrations in winter samples ranged from 9176 to 32,573 ng g⁻¹ with a mean value of 20,648 ng g⁻¹, while they varied from 6875 to 27,766 ng g⁻¹ in summer with an average of 14,098 ng g⁻¹. Spatial variation showed that city park (CP) samples had the lowest t-PAH concentration, while industrial area (ID) and traffic area (TR) and commercial area (CO) were the most polluted, in both seasons. PAH homologues concentrations were getting higher with the more rings and higher molecular weight (HMW) in all areas. The study of effective factors showed that grain size was only a minor factor influencing the accumulation of PAHs, whereas total organic carbon (TOC) was found to be closely correlated with t-PAH concentration. Prevailing winds could directly affect on the spatial distribution of PAHs. Chemical source apportionment studies took the form of principal component analysis (PCA), followed by compositional analysis. It was demonstrated that road dust PAHs in central Shanghai mainly came from the mixing of traffic and coal combustion. The contribution percentages of pyrogenic and petrogenic sources were respectively 71.0% and 11.4% in winter, while they were, 64.9% and 14.1% in summer, respectively. Road dust PAHs in Shanghai city mostly came from local sources.