Seasonal variation of water-soluble inorganic ions in PM10 in a city of northwestern Turkey

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of inorganic ions present in particulate matter smaller than 10 µm (PM₁₀), released into the environment by industrial, domestic and mobile sources in Duzce. To assess spatial variations, samples were collected from two sampling sites that had urban and suburban characteristics. Further, the process was carried out in two seasons to understand the seasonal variations. An ion chromatography device was used for analyzing the inorganic ion content in the collected samples. The highest levels of inorganic ion concentrations were measured at the urban sampling site during the winter campaign. Furthermore, the highest ion concentrations were measured for SO₄^2? ion at both sampling sites and during both seasons, while the lowest concentrations were measured for Br^?. Moreover, there were significant relationships between meteorological parameters and ion concentrations. A comparison of the cation and anion equivalence values using seasonal CE/AE (cation equivalence/anion equivalence) ratios showed that the aerosol matter had alkaline characteristics during both seasons. The mean value for the CE/AE ratios was 1.58 in winter and 2.06 in summer at the urban sampling site and 1.36 in winter and 1.52 in summer at the suburban sampling site. The interrelationships among the ions were determined by Pearson correlation analysis. Based on the correlation analyses, the ions emitted from common sources and those exposed to similar atmospheric conditions displayed strong correlations with each other.     

The impacts of different kinds of dust events on PM10 pollution in northern China

In this study the frequencies of PM₁₀ (as key urban pollutant) in 14 key environmental protection cities in northern China were analyzed. It follows that the PM₁₀ concentration in the high-frequency period is higher with an extent 0.009–0.066 mg m⁻³ than in the low-frequency period of 2001–2002. Further the impacts of three kinds of dust events on the PM₁₀ concentration in four cities (Beijing, Hohhot, Xi’an and Lanzhou) were explored. The results showed that different kinds of dust events have different influences on variation of PM₁₀ concentration in these four cities. In Lanzhou and Hohhot, which are near the source areas of dust events, the contribution degree of these three dust events to the PM₁₀ is: floating dust>dust storm>blowing dust. Whereas, in Beijing and Xi’an situated in dust event passing areas, the mean value of PM₁₀ concentration is higher in blowing dust than in floating dust (no dust storm). In addition, the influences of dust events on PM₁₀ concentration are different in the cities on different dust event paths. In Beijing and Hohhot (on the northern path), the high PM₁₀ concentration is usually caused by blowing dust. But in both Lanzhou and Xi’an (on the western/northwestern path) the high PM₁₀ pollution concentration is usually caused by floating dust.     

Airborne ammonia and ammonium within the Northern Adriatic area, Croatia

Determination of airborne ammonia started in the early 1980s, as a part of air pollution monitoring of industrial plants. Due to high emissions, the city of Rijeka was one of the most polluted in Croatia in the mid-1980s. Considerable reductions in SO2 and NO(x) emissions led to lower airborne levels of these pollutants in the mid 1990s. In spite of the coke plant closure in 1994, there was only a weak decline in airborne ammonia over the period 1980--2005, with annual means in the range of 12-20 microg m(-3) at urban Site 1 and 6-28 microg m(-3) at suburban Site 2. Similar behaviour has been observed with ammonium in bulk rainwater samples since 1996. Higher and approximately equal deposition of nitrogen as ammonium (N-NH4+) were obtained for the urban Site 1 and the mountainous Site 4, but with different causative facts. Ammonium's contribution to total nitrogen (NO3(-)+NH4+) deposition is approximately two thirds, even for a remote Site 3.     

First assessment of the PM<Subscript>10</Subscript> and PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript> particulate level in the ambient air of belgrade city

INTENTION, GOAL, SCOPE, BACKGROUND: As the strong negative health effect of exposure to the inhalable particulate matter PM10 in the urban environment has been confirmed, the study of the mass concentrations, physico-chemical characteristics, sources, as well as spatial and temporal variation of atmospheric aerosol particles becomes very important. OBJECTIVE: This work is a pilot study to assess the concentration level of ambient suspended particulate matter, with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 microm, in the Belgrade central urban area. Average daily concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 have been measured at three representative points in the city between June 2002 and December 2002. The influence of meteorological parameters on PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations was analyzed, and possible pollution sources were identified. METHODS: Suspended particles were collected on Pure Teflon filters by using a Mini-Vol low-volume air sampler (Airmetrics Co., Inc.; 5 l min(-1) flow rate). Particle mass was determined gravimetrically after 48 h of conditioning in a desiccator, in a Class 100 clean room at the temperature T = 20 degrees C and at about 50% constant relative humidity (RH). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Analysis of the PM10 data indicated a marked difference between season without heating--(summer; mean value 56 microg m(-3)) and heating season--(winter; mean value 96 microg m3); 62% of samples exceeded the level of 50 microg m(-3). The impact of meteorological factors on PM concentrations was not immediately apparent, but there was a significant negative correlation with the wind speed. CONCLUSIONS: The PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentrations in the Belgrade urban area had high average values (77 microg m(-3) and 61 microg m(-3)) in comparison with other European cities. The main sources of particulate matter were traffic emission, road dust resuspension, and individual heating emissions. When the air masses are coming from the SW direction, the contribution from the Obrenovac power plants is evident. During days of exceptionally severe pollution, in both summer and winter periods, high production of secondary aerosols occurred, as can be seen from an increase in PM2.5 in respect to PM10 mass concentration. RECOMMENDATION AND OUTLOOK: The results obtained gave us the first impression of the concentration level of particulate matter, with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 microm, in the Belgrade ambient air. Due to measured high PM mass concentrations, it is obvious that it would be very difficult to meet the EU standards (EEC 1999) by 2010. It is necessary to continue with PM10 and PM2.5 sampling; and after comprehensive analysis which includes the results of chemical and physical characterization of particles, we will be able to recommend effective control measures in order to improve air quality in Belgrade.     

Vapor-phase concentrations of PAHs and their derivatives determined in a large city: Correlations with their atmospheric aerosol concentrations

Thirteen PAHs, five nitro-PAHs and two hydroxy-PAHs were determined in 55 vapor-phase samples collected in a suburban area of a large city (Madrid, Spain), from January 2008 to February 2009. The data obtained revealed correlations between the concentrations of these compounds and a series of meteorological factors (e.g., temperature, atmospheric pressure) and physical–chemical factors (e.g., nitrogen and sulfur oxides). As a consequence, seasonal trends were observed in the atmospheric pollutants. A “mean sample” for the 14-month period would contain a total PAH concentration of 13 835 ± 1625 pg m⁻³ and 122 ± 17 pg m⁻³ of nitro-PAHs. When the data were stratified by season, it emerged that a representative sample of the coldest months would contain 18 900 ± 2140 pg m⁻³ of PAHs and 150 ± 97 pg m⁻³ of nitro-PAHs, while in an average sample collected in the warmest months, these values drop to 9293 ± 1178 pg m⁻³ for the PAHs and to 97 ± 13 pg m⁻³ for the nitro-PAHs. Total vapor phase concentrations of PAHs were one order of magnitude higher than concentrations detected in atmospheric aerosol samples collected on the same dates. Total nitro-PAH concentrations were comparable to their aerosol concentrations whereas vapor phase OH-PAHs were below their limits of the detection, indicating these were trapped in airborne particles.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran in urban air of an Andean city

Particle-bound polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in ambient air were monitored together with particulate matter less than 10 μm (PM₁₀) at three sampling sites of the Andean city of Manizales, Colombia; during September 2009 and July 2010. PCDD/Fs ambient air emissions ranged from 1 fg WHO-TEQ m⁻³ to 52 fg WHO-TEQ m⁻³ in particulate fraction. The PM₁₀ concentrations ranged from 23 μg m⁻³ to 54 μg m⁻³. Concentrations of PM₁₀ and PCDD/Fs in ambient air observed for Manizales - a medium sized city with a population of 380 000 - were comparable to concentrations in larger cities. The highest concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PM₁₀ found in this study were determined at the central zone of the city, characterized by public transportation density, where diesel as principal fuel is used. In addition, hypothetical gas fractions of PCDD/Fs were calculated from theoretical K_p data. Congener profiles of PCDD/Fs exhibited ratios associated with different combustion sources at the different sampling locations, ranging from steel recycling to gasoline and diesel engines. Taking into account particle and gas hypothetical fraction of PCDD/Fs, Manizales exhibited values of PCDD/Fs equivalent to rural and urban-industrial sites in the southeast and center of the city respectively. Poor correlation of PCDDs with PM₁₀ (r = −0.55 and r = 0.52) suggests ambient air PCDDs were derived from various combustion sources. Stronger correlation was observed of PCDFs with PM₁₀. Poor correlation between precipitation and reduced PM₁₀ concentration in ambient air (r = −0.45) suggested low PM₁₀ removal by rainfall.     

重庆市春季大气颗粒物浓度的对比监测分析

通过2012年春季在重庆大气超级站进行的PM10和PM2.5手工采样与自动仪器的对比监测,分析了自动监测与手工监测的一致性及造成偏差的原因,并对PM2.5与PM10浓度的比值关系进行了分析。结果表明:MP101M型颗粒物自动监测仪用于监测PM10时系统性误差偏高,仪器初始精密度存在负偏差;用于监测PM2.5时系统性误差在允许范围之内,仪器初始精密度存在较大负偏差;PM10和PM2.5的手工采样和自动仪器监测值之变化趋势具有非常高的一致性;PM2.5与PM10浓度比值范围在56.5%～90.4%,平均比值为(73.8±7.4)%。     

Study of lead phytoavailability for atmospheric industrial micronic and sub-micronic particles in relation with lead speciation

Particles from channelled emissions of a battery recycling facility were size-segregated and investigated to correlate their speciation and morphology with their transfer towards lettuce. Microculture experiments carried out with various calcareous soils spiked with micronic and sub-micronic particles (1650 ± 20 mg Pb kg⁻¹) highlighted a greater transfer in soils mixed with the finest particles. According to XRD and Raman spectroscopy results, the two fractions presented differences in the amount of minor lead compounds like carbonates, but their speciation was quite similar, in decreasing order of abundance: PbS, PbSO₄, PbSO₄·PbO, α-PbO and Pb⁰. Morphology investigations revealed that PM_2.5 (i.e. Particulate Matter 2.5 composed of particles suspended in air with aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 μm or less) contained many Pb nanoballs and nanocrystals which could influence lead availability. The soil-plant transfer of lead was mainly influenced by size and was very well estimated by 0.01 M CaCl₂ extraction.     

Formation of secondary inorganic aerosols by power plant emissions exhausted through cooling towers in Saxony

Background, aim, and scope  The fraction of ambient PM₁₀ that is due to the formation of secondary inorganic particulate sulfate and nitrate from the emissions of two large, brown-coal-fired power stations in Saxony (East Germany) is examined. The power stations are equipped with natural-draft cooling towers. The flue gases are directly piped into the cooling towers, thereby receiving an additionally intensified uplift. The exhausted gas-steam mixture contains the gases CO, CO₂, NO, NO₂, and SO₂, the directly emitted primary particles, and additionally, an excess of ‘free’ sulfate ions in water solution, which, after the desulfurization steps, remain non-neutralized by cations. The precursor gases NO₂ and SO₂ are capable of forming nitric and sulfuric acid by several pathways. The acids can be neutralized by ammonia and generate secondary particulate matter by heterogeneous condensation on preexisting particles. Materials and methods  The simulations are performed by a nested and multi-scale application of the online-coupled model system LM-MUSCAT. The Local Model (LM; recently renamed as COSMO) of the German Weather Service performs the meteorological processes, while the Multi-scale Atmospheric Transport Model (MUSCAT) includes the transport, the gas phase chemistry, as well as the aerosol chemistry (thermodynamic ammonium–sulfate–nitrate–water system). The highest horizontal resolution in the inner region of Saxony is 0.7 km. One summer and one winter episode, each realizing 5 weeks of the year 2002, are simulated twice, with the cooling tower emissions switched on and off, respectively. This procedure serves to identify the direct and indirect influences of the single plumes on the formation and distribution of the secondary inorganic aerosols. Results and conclusions  Surface traces of the individual tower plumes can be located and distinguished, especially in the well-mixed boundary layer in daytime. At night, the plumes are decoupled from the surface. In no case does the resulting contribution of the cooling tower emissions to PM₁₀ significantly exceed 15 μgm⁻³ at the surface. These extreme values are obtained in narrow plumes on intensive summer conditions, whereas different situations with lower turbulence (night, winter) remain below this value. About 90% of the PM₁₀ concentrations in the plumes are secondarily formed sulfate, mainly ammonium sulfate, and about 10% originate from the primarily emitted particles. Under the assumptions made, ammonium nitrate plays a rather marginal role. Recommendations and perspectives  The analyzed results depend on the specific emission data of power plants with flue gas emissions piped through the cooling towers. The emitted fraction of ‘free’ sulfate ions remaining in excess after the desulfurization steps plays an important role at the formation of secondary aerosols and therefore has to be measured carefully.     

Traffic generated non-exhaust particulate emissions from concrete pavement: A mass and particle size study for two-wheelers and small cars

This study aimed to understand the non-exhaust (NE) emission of particles from wear of summer tire and concrete pavement, especially for two wheelers and small cars. A fully enclosed laboratory-scale model was fabricated to simulate road tire interaction with a facility to collect particles in different sizes. A road was cast using the M-45 concrete mixture and the centrifugal casting method. It was observed that emission of large particle non exhaust emission (LPNE) as well as PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 increased with increasing load. The LPNE was 3.5 mg tire⁻¹ km⁻¹ for a two wheeler and 6.4 mg tire⁻¹ km⁻¹ for a small car. The LPNE can lead to water pollution through water run-off from the roads. The contribution of the PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 was smaller compared to the LPNE particles (less than 0.1%). About 32 percent of particle mass of PM₁₀ was present below 1 μm. The number as well as mass size distribution for PM₁₀ was observed to be bi-modal with peaks at 0.3 μm and 4–5 μm. The NE emissions did not show any significant trend with change in tire pressure.     

Sources and processes affecting concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter in Birmingham (U.K.)

Hourly average concentrations of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 have been measured simultaneously at a site within Birmingham U.K. between October 1994 and October 1995. Comparison of PM₁₀ and NO_x data with two other sites in the same city shows comparable summer and winter mean concentrations and highly significant inter-site correlations for both hourly and daily mean data. Over a four-month period samples were also collected for chemical analysis of sulphate, nitrate, chloride, ammonium and elemental and organic carbon. Analysis of the data indicates a marked difference between summer and winter periods. In the winter months PM_2.5 comprises about 80% of PM₁₀ and is strongly correlated with NO_x indicating the importance of road traffic as a source. In the summer months, coarse particles (PM₁₀−PM_2.5) account for almost 50% of PM₁₀ and the influence of resuspended surface dusts and soils and of secondary particulate matter is evident. The chemical analysis data are also consistent with three sources dominating the PM₁₀ composition: vehicle exhaust emissions, secondary ammonium salts and resuspended surface dusts. Coarse particles from resuspension showed a positive dependence on windspeed, whilst elemental carbon derived from road traffic exhibited a negative dependence.     

Chemical composition of fine particles from incense burning in a large environmental chamber

 This study is aimed to characterize the major chemical compositions of PM_2.5 from incense burning in a large environmental chamber. Chemical analyses, including X-ray fluorescence for elemental species, ion chromatography for water soluble inorganic species (chloride, nitrate, sulfate, sodium, potassium, ammonium) and thermal/optical reflectance analysis for carbon species were carried out for combustion of three incense categories (traditional, aromatic and church incense). The average concentrations from incense burning ranged from 139.8 to 4414.7 μg m⁻³ for organic carbon (OC), and from 22.8 to 74.0 μg m⁻³ for elemental carbon (EC), respectively. The average OC and EC concentrations in PM_2.5 of three incense categories were in the order of church incense>traditional incense>aromatic incense. OC/EC ratios ranged from 7.0 to 39.1 for the traditional incense, with an average of 21.7; from 3.2 to 11.9 for the aromatic incense, with an average of 7.7. The concentrations of Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, Na⁺ and K⁺ were highly variable. On average, the inorganic ion concentration sequence was traditional incense>church incense>aromatic incense. The profiles for elements were dominated by Na, Cl and K. In general, the major components in PM_2.5 fraction from incense burning are OC (especially OC2, OC3 and OC4), EC and K.     

Results from a pilot-scale air quality study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Twenty-one samples were collected during the dry season (26 January–28 February 2004) at 12 sites in and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and analyzed for particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM₁₀) mass and composition. Teflon-membrane filters were analyzed for PM₁₀ mass and concentrations of 40 elements. Quartz-fiber filters were analyzed for chloride, sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium ions as well as elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) content. Measured 24-h PM₁₀ mass concentrations were <100 and 40 μg m⁻³ at urban and suburban sites, respectively. PM₁₀ lead concentrations were <0.1 μg m⁻³ for all samples collected, an important finding because the government of Ethiopia had stopped the distribution of leaded gasoline a few months prior to this study. Mass concentrations reconstructed from chemical composition indicated that 34–66% of the PM₁₀ mass was due to geologically derived material, probably owing to the widespread presence of unpaved roads and road shoulders. At urban sites, EC and OC compounds contributed between 31% and 60% of the measured PM₁₀ while at suburban sites carbon compounds contributed between 24% and 26%. Secondary sulfate aerosols were responsible for <10% of the reconstructed mass in urban areas but as much as 15% in suburban sites, where PM₁₀ mass concentrations were lower. Non-volatile particulate nitrate, a lower limit for atmospheric nitrate, constituted <5% and 7% of PM₁₀ at the urban and suburban sites, respectively. At seven of the 12 sites, real-time PM₁₀ mass, real-time carbon monoxide (CO), and instantaneous ozone (O₃) concentrations were measured with portable nephelometers, electrochemical analyzers, and indicator test sticks, respectively. Both PM₁₀ and CO concentrations exhibited daily maxima around 7:00 and secondary peaks in the late afternoon and evening, suggesting that those pollutants were emitted during periods associated with motor-vehicle traffic, food preparation, and heating of homes. The morning concentration maxima were likely accentuated by stable atmospheric conditions associated with overnight surface temperature inversions. Ozone concentrations were measured near mid-day on filter sample collection days and were in all cases <45 parts per billion.     

Assessment of population exposure to particulate matter pollution in Chongqing, China

To determine the population exposure to PM(10) in Chongqing, China, we developed an indirect model by combining information on the time activity patterns of various demographic subgroups with estimates of the PM(10) concentrations in different microenvironments (MEs). The spatial and temporal variations of the exposure to PM(10) were illustrated in a geographical information system (GIS). The population weighted exposure (PWE) for the entire population was 229, 155 and 211 microg/m(3), respectively, in winter, summer and as the annual average. Indoor PM(10) level at home was the largest contributor to the PWE, especially for the rural areas where high pollution levels were found due to solid fuels burning. Elder people had higher PM(10) exposure than adults and youth, due to more time spent in indoor MEs. The highest health risk due to particulate was found in the city zone and northeast regions, suggesting that pollution abatement should be prioritized in these areas.     

Determination and analysis of PM10 source apportionment during episodes of air pollution in Central Eastern European urban areas: The case of wintertime 2006

Source apportionment of air pollution due to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM₁₀) was investigated in Central Eastern European urban areas. A combination of four methods was developed to distinguish long-range transport (LRT) and regional transport (RT) from local pollution (LP) sources as well as to discern the involvement of traffic or residential sources in LP. Sources of PM₁₀ events of pollution were determined in January 2006 in representative Polish cities using monitored air quality and meteorological data, backward air mass trajectories, correlation and principal component analysis (PCA). Daily patterns of PM₁₀ levels show that several peak episodes were registered in Poland; January 21–30th being the most polluted days. Air mass back-trajectory analysis shows that all cities were under the influence of LRT from North-eastern origins (Russia–Belarus–Ukraine), most were also under LRT from Southern origin (Slovakia, Czech Republic), and northern cities were under national RT influence. PCA analysis shows that ion-sums of secondary inorganic aerosols account for LRT pollution while arsenic and chromium represents markers of RT (industrial) and LP (residential) sources of PM₁₀, respectively. Determination of several ratios (REG/UB, REG/TRAF, TRAF/UB) calculated between PM₁₀ levels measured at regional background (REG); urban background (UB) and traffic (TRAF) monitoring sites shows that, with ratios REG/UB ≥ 0.57, PM₁₀ episodes in both Szczecin and Warsaw bore a marked RT origin. The lower REG/UB ≤ 0.35 in the Southern cities of Cracow and Zabrze indicates that LP was the main contributor to the observed episodes. Only PM₁₀ episodes in Southern-western Poland (Jelenia Góra) were clearly of LP origin as characterized, by the lowest REG/UB ratio (<0.2). The high TRAF/UB ratios obtained for all cities (close to 1) indicate that there was a great uniformity of PM levels on an urban scale owing to the meteorologically stagnant conditions. A high correlation between PM₁₀, NO₂ and CO confirms that traffic emission represented a common and an important LP source of urban pollution in most Polish cities during January 2006. On the other hand PM₁₀ which is also highly correlated with SO₂ in 4 cities out of 6, indicates that coal combustion through domestic heating or industrial activities was also an important LP source of PM₁₀. Finally, extremely unfavourable meteorological conditions caused by the influence of a Siberian high-pressure system were found to be associated with the occurrence of severe PM₁₀ episodes of pollution.     

Assessment of natural components of PM10 at UK urban and rural sites

Proposals from the European Commission have raised the possibility that Member States may be able to subtract the concentrations of natural components of airborne particulate matter from measured concentrations when evaluating compliance with EU Limit Values. By applying the pragmatic mass closure model [Harrison et al., 2003. A pragmatic mass closure model for airborne particulate matter at urban background and roadside sites. Atmospheric Environment 37, 4927–4933] to chemical composition data for PM₁₀, it has been possible to estimate the concentrations of natural sea salt, strongly bound water and secondary organic carbon (which is assumed wholly biogenic) to the measured mass of PM₁₀. Because of the difficulty in distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic crustal dusts, the contribution of natural windblown dust and soil has not been accounted for. When the natural components are estimated for two urban and one rural site in the UK, the long-term mean PM₁₀ concentration is reduced by between 5.2 and 7.3 μg m⁻³. The number of exceedences of the 50 μg m⁻³ 24-h limit value falls dramatically from 54 to 21 (from a total of 291 days) at an urban street canyon site, 7 to 3 (n=292 days) at an urban background site and from 8 to 0 (n=241 days) at a rural site when using gravimetric PM₁₀ concentrations. The calculations have also been performed using PM₁₀ concentrations measured by TEOM increased by a factor of 1.3 as recommended by the European Commission as an interim means of estimating gravimetric equivalency, and the number of exceedences of the 24-h limit value fell from 92 to 47 (from a total of 291 days) at the urban street canyon site, from 11 to 3 (n=292 days) at the urban background site and from 6 to 3 (n=241) at the rural site. Clearly, therefore, application of this proposed measure would make a very major difference to the likelihood of compliance or otherwise with the 24-h limit value for PM₁₀.     

Cocaine and other illicit drugs in airborne particulates in urban environments: a reflection of social conduct and population size

Levels of cocaine and other psychoactive substances in atmospheric particulate matter (PM) were determined in urban environments representing distinct social behaviours with regard to drug abuse: night-life, university and residential areas. Three cities (with population >1 million and <0.3 million inhabitants) were selected. Mean daily levels of drugs in PM were 11-336 pg/m³ for cocaine, 23-34 pg/m³ for cannabinoids, and 5-90 pg/m³ for heroin. The highest levels were recorded on weekends, with factors with respect to weekdays of 1-3 for cocaine, 1-2 for cannabinoids and 1.1-1.7 for heroin. Higher levels were detected in the night-life areas, pointing towards consumption and trafficking as major emission sources, and possibly ruling out drug manufacture. The similarities in temporal trends at all sites suggested a city-scale transport of psychoactive substances. Correlations were detected between cocaine and amphetamine consumption (r² = 0.98), and between heroin and cannabinoids (r²>0.82).     

Implementation of a windblown dust parameterization into MODELS-3/CMAQ: Application to episodic PM events in the US/Mexico border

Windblown dust is known to impede visibility, deteriorate air quality and modify the radiation budget. Arid and semiarid areas with unpaved and unvegetated land cover are particularly prone to windblown dust, which is often attributed to high particulate matter (PM) pollution in such areas. Yet, windblown dust is poorly represented in existing regulatory air quality models. In a study by the authors on modeling episodic high PM events along the US/Mexico border using the state-of-the-art CMAQ/MM5/SMOKE air quality modeling system [Choi, Y.-J., Hyde, P., Fernando, H.J.S., 2006. Modeling of episodic particulate matter events using a 3D air quality model with fine grid: applications to a pair of cities in the US/Mexico border. Atmospheric Environment 40, 5181–5201], some of the observed PM₁₀ NAAQS exceedances were inferred as due to windblown dust, but the modeling system was incapable of dealing with time-dependent episodic dust entrainment during high wind periods. In this paper, a time-dependent entrainment parameterization for windblown dust is implemented in the CMAQ/MM5/SMOKE modeling system with the hope of improving PM predictions. An approach for realizing windblown dust emission flux for each grid cell over the study domain on an hourly basis, which accounts for the influence of factors such as soil moisture content, atmospheric stability and wind speed, is presented in detail. Comparison of model predictions with observational data taken at a pair of US/Mexico border towns shows a clear improvement of model performance upon implementation of the dust emission flux parameterization.     

Effects of ozone on chlorophyll and quantum yield of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) varieties

Plants of Bel-W3 and of seven commercial tobacco varieties (Nicotiana tabacum L.) were exposed to two relatively low ozone concentrations (90 or 135 ppb) for 20 consecutive days, for 8 h per day. Ozone caused necrotic and chlorotic spots, acceleration of leaf senescence, depression of photosynthetic mechanism, chlorophyll diminution and greater destruction of chl a than of chl b. The higher sensitivity of chl a was also confirmed by exposure of segments of leaves in test tubes to high ozone concentration (>1000 ppb) as well as by bubbling of ozone in extracts of chlorophyll in vitro. The quantum yield (QY) of photosynthesis was positively correlated with the chlorophyll content and negatively correlated with the visible injury and the chl b/a ratio.