Organic and elemental carbon associated to PM10 and PM2.5 at urban sites of northern Greece

Organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations, associated to PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 particle fractions, were concurrently determined during the warm and the cold months of the year (July–September 2011 and February–April 2012, respectively) at two urban sites in the city of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, an urban-traffic site (UT) and an urban-background site (UB). Concentrations at the UT site (11.3?±?5.0 and 8.44?±?4.08 14 μg m^?3 for OC₁₀ and OC_2.5 vs. 6.56?±?2.14 and 5.29?±?1.54 μg m^?3 for EC₁₀ and EC_2.5) were among the highest values reported for urban sites in European cities. Significantly lower concentrations were found at the UB site for both carbonaceous species, particularly for EC (6.62?±?4.59 and 5.72?±?4.36 μg m^?3 for OC₁₀ and OC_2.5 vs. 0.93?±?0.61 and 0.69?±?0.39 μg m^?3 for EC₁₀ and EC_2.5). Despite that, a negative UT-UB increment was frequently evidenced for OC_2.5 and PM_2.5 in the cold months possibly indicative of emissions from residential wood burning at the urban-background site. At both sites, cconcentrations of OC fractions were significantly higher in the cold months; on the contrary, EC fractions at the UT site were prominent in the warm season suggesting some influence from maritime emissions in the nearby harbor area. Secondary organic carbon, being estimated using the EC tracer method and seasonally minimum OC/EC ratios, was found to be an appreciable component of particle mass particularly in the cold season. The calculated secondary contributions to OC ranged between 35 and 59 % in the PM₁₀ fraction, with relatively higher values in the PM_2.5 fraction (39–61 %). The source origin of carbonaceous species was investigated by means of air parcel back trajectories, satellite fire maps, and concentration roses. A local origin was mainly concluded for OC and EC with limited possibility for long range transport of biomass (agricultural waste) burning aerosol.     

Effect of local and long-range transport emissions on the elemental composition of PM10–2.5 and PM2.5 in Beirut

The elemental composition of PM_10−2.5 and PM_2.5 were studied in winter, summer, stormy and non-stormy dates during a period extending from February 2004 till January 2005, in a populated area of Beirut. Results of PIXE analysis and enrichment factor (E.F.) calculation, using Si as a reference of crustal material, showed that crustal elements (E.F.<10) like Si, Ca, K, Ti, Mn and Fe were more abundant in PM_10−2.5 while enriched elements (E.F.>10) like S, Cu, Zn and Pb predominated in PM_2.5. In PM_10−2.5, concentrations of crustal elements increased during stormy episodes, all time high Ca concentrations were due to the abundance of calcite and limestone rocks in Lebanon, and increased Cl levels correlated with marine air masses. In PM_2.5, sulfur concentrations were more prominent in the summer due to the enhancement of photochemical reactions. Sources of sulfur were attributed to local, sea-water and long-range transport from Eastern Europe, with the latter being the most predominate. Anthropogenic elements like Cu and Zn were generated from worn brakes and tires in high traffic density area and spikes of Pb were directly linked to a southerly wind originated from Egypt and/or Israel as determined by the air trajectory HYSPLIT model. In brief, elemental variations depended on the regional variability of the transport pattern and the different removal rates of aerosols.     

Use of the light absorption coefficient to monitor elemental carbon and PM2.5--example of Santiago de Chile

The optical absorption coefficient, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 microm, and elemental carbon (EC) have been measured simultaneously during winter and spring of 2000 in the western part of Santiago, Chile (Pudahuel district). The optical measurements were carried out with a low-cost instrument recently developed at the University of Santiago. From the data, a site-specific mass absorption coefficient of 4.45+/-0.01 m2/g has been found for EC. In addition, a mass absorption coefficient of 1.02+/-0.03 m2/g has been obtained for PM2.5. These coefficients can be used during the colder months (May-August) to obtain EC concentration or PM2.5 from a measurement of the light absorption coefficient (sigmaa). The high correlation that has been found between these variables indicates that sigmaa is a good indicator of the degree of contamination of urbanized areas. The data also show an increase in PM2.5 and EC concentration during winter and an increase in the ratio of EC to PM2.5. When the EC/PM2.5 ratio is calculated during rush hour (7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.) and during part of the night (9:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.), it is found that the increase is caused by higher concentration levels of EC at night. These results suggest that the rise in the EC concentration is caused by emissions from heating and air mass transport of pollution from other parts of the city, while traffic contribution remains approximately constant.     

关于PM2.5的综述

综述了大气PM25的来源,样品采集分析,化学组成,病毒机理,对人类健康和大气能见度的影响,以及国内外的研究进展.     

Windblown dust contributes to high PM2.5 concentrations

The revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM include fine particulate standards based upon mass measurements of PM2.5. It is possible in arid and semi-arid regions to observe significant coarse mode intrusion in the PM2.5 measurement. In this work, continuous PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 were measured during several windblown dust events in Spokane, WA. PM2.5 constituted approximately 30% of the PM10 during the dust event days, compared with approximately 48% on the non-dusty days preceding the dust events. Both PM10 and PM2.5 were enhanced during the dust events. However, PM1.0 was not enhanced during dust storms that originated within the state of Washington. During a dust storm that originated in Asia and impacted Spokane, PM1.0 was also enhanced, although the Asian dust reached Washington during a period of stagnation and poor dispersion, so that local sources were also contributing to high particulate levels. The "intermodal" region of PM, defined as particles ranging in aerodynamic size from 1.0 to 2.5 microns, was found to represent a significant fraction of PM2.5 (approximately 51%) during windblown dust events, compared with 28% during the non-dusty days before the dust events.     

Using CALINE dispersion to assess vehicular PM2.5 emissions

This paper explores the range of CALINE4's PM_2.5 modeling capabilities by comparing previously collected PM_2.5 data with CALINE4 predicted values. Two sampling sites, a suburban site located at an intersection in Sacramento, CA, and an urban site located in London, were used. Predicted concentrations are graphed against observed concentrations and evaluated against the criterion that 75% of the points fall within the factor-of-two prediction envelope. For the suburban site, data estimated by CALINE4 produced results that fell within the acceptable factor-of-two percentage envelope. A reverse dispersion test was also conducted for the suburban site using observed and calculated emission factors, and although it showed correlations between the observed values and CALINE4 predicted values, it could not conclusively prove that the model is accurate at predicting PM_2.5 concentrations. Although the results suggest that CALINE4 PM_2.5 predictions may be reasonably close to observed values, the number of observations used to verify the model was small and consequently, findings from the suburban site should be considered exploratory. For the urban site, a much larger data set was evaluated; however, the CALINE4 results for this site did not fall 75% within the factor-of-two envelope. Several factors, including street canyon effects, likely contributed to an inaccuracy of the emission factors used in CALINE4, and therefore, to the overall CALINE4 predictions. In summary, CALINE4 does not appear to perform well in densely populated areas and differences in topography may be a decisive factor in determining when CALINE4 may be applicable to modeling PM_2.5. For critical transportation projects requiring PM_2.5 analysis, use of CALINE4 may not be optimal because of its inability to produce reasonable estimates for highly trafficked areas. Additional data sets for CALINE4 analysis, particularly in urban environments, are required to fully understand CALINE4's PM_2.5 modeling capabilities.     

The contribution of PM2.5 to cardiovascular disease in China

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - China is experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization with correspondingly high levels of air pollution. Although the harm of PM2.5 has been...     

不同过滤介质对PM2.5过滤性能与效果

测定了不同孔径结构的无纺布和聚偏氟乙烯(PVDF)微滤膜电晕前后对Particulate Matter 2.5(PM2.5)的过滤性能,研究了材料的孔径与结构、过滤气流量、电晕放电对PM2.5过滤效率的影响。结果表明,聚酯无纺布和PVDF微滤膜对PM2.5的过滤性能差别较大,电晕放电处理技术能有效提高过滤介质对PM2.5的过滤效率。过滤介质有效过滤面积为10.2 cm2、过滤气流量为4 L/min时,克重数为50 g/m2的聚酯无纺布电晕处理后对PM2.5的过滤效率为77%,过滤压降为2.3 kPa;而孔径分布为0.7~1.0 μm的PVDF微滤膜电晕处理后对PM2.5的过滤效率达到99.79%,过滤压降为2.2 kPa,具备了高效低阻的性能。     

Synoptic evaluation of regional PM2.5 concentrations

By comparing short-term fluctuations in PM2.5 species concentrations among nearby air quality monitors and among species, it becomes possible to understand the regional and local events leading to higher concentrations. This approach was applied at thirteen sites in the Maryland area for the 2001–2006 timeframe in order to identify and explain the behavior of eighteen different analytes as well as the daily Air Quality Index.Findings included identification of local upwind events such as fireworks displays, construction and demolition, the spatial extent of sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium correlations between ground-level monitors, correlations between some crustal species to indicate similar emissions sources in urban areas, and indicators of particle adsorption as a rate-limiting step for certain species. For example, the bromine behavior suggests that bromine concentrations on particulate matter may be limited by the particle adsorption rate and thus show a dependence on the Air Quality Index measurements.     

Semi-volatile species in PM2.5: comparison of integrated and continuous samplers for PM2.5 research or monitoring

Fine particles in urban atmospheres contain substantial quantities of semi-volatile material [e.g., NH4NO3 and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)] that are lost from particles during collection on a filter. Several diffusion denuder samplers have been developed for the determination of both NO3- and organic semi-volatile fine particulate components. The combination of technology used in the BOSS diffusion denuder sampler and the Harvard particle concentrator has resulted in the Particle Concentrator-Brigham Young University Organic Sampling System (PC-BOSS) for the 24-hr (or less) integrated collection of PM2.5, including NH4NO3 and semi-volatile organic material. Modification of the BOSS sampler allows for the weekly determination of these same species. Combination of BOSS denuder and tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) monitor technology has resulted in the real-time ambient mass sampler (RAMS) for the continuous measurement of PM2.5, including the semi-volatile components. Comparison of the results obtained with the BOSS and with each of the newly developed modifications of the BOSS indicates that the modified versions can be used for the continuous, daily, or weekly monitoring of PM2.5, including semi-volatile species, as appropriate to the design of each sampler.     

Particulate matter in California: part 1--Intercomparison of several PM2.5, PM10-2.5, and PM10 monitoring networks

It will be many years before the recently deployed network of fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microm (PM2.5) Federal Reference Method (FRM) samplers produces information on nonattainment areas, trends, and source impacts. However, data on PM2.5 and its major constituents have been routinely collected in California for the past 20 years. The California Air Resources Board operated as many as 20 dichotomous (dichot) samplers for PM2.5 and coarse PM (PM10-2.5). The California Acid Deposition Monitoring Program (CADMP) collected 12-h-average PM2.5 and PM10 from 1988 to 1995 at ten urban and rural sites and 24-h-average PM2.5 at five urban sites since 1995. Beginning in 1994, the Children's Health Study collected 2-week averages of PM2.5 in 12 communities in southern California using the Two-Week Sampler (TWS). Comparisons of collocated samples establish relationships between the dichot, CADMP, and TWS samplers and the 82-site network of PM2.5 FRM samplers deployed since 1999 in California. PM mass data from the different monitoring programs have modest to high correlation to FRM mass data, fairly small systematic biases and negative proportional biases ranging from 7 to 22%. If the biases are taken into account, all of the programs should be considered comparable with the FRM program. Thus, historical data can be used to develop long-term PM trends in California.     

Method comparisons for particulate nitrate, elemental carbon, and PM2.5 mass in seven U.S. cities

Methods that measure PM2.5 mass, total particulate NO3-, and elemental carbon (EC) were evaluated in seven U.S. cities from 1997 to 1999. Sampling was performed in Bakersfield, CA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; and Riverside, CA. Evaluating and validating methods that measure the components of fine mass are important to the effort of establishing a speciation-monitoring network. The Harvard Impactor (HI), which measures fine particle mass, showed excellent agreement (r2 = 0.99) with the PM2.5 Federal Reference Method (FRM) for 81 24-hr samples in Riverside and Bakersfield. The HI also showed good precision (4.8%) for 243 24-hr collocated samples over eight studies. The Aethalometer was employed in six of the sampling locations to measure black carbon (BC). These values were compared to EC as measured from a quartz filter using thermal analysis. For the six cities combined, the two methods were highly correlated (r2 = 0.94; 187 24-hr samples); however, the BC values were approximately 24% less than the EC measurements consistently across all six cites. This compares well to results observed for EC/BC measurements observed in other semi-urban areas. Particulate NO3- was measured using the Harvard-EPA Annular Denuder System (HEADS). This was compared to the NO3- measured from the HI Teflon (DuPont) filter to assess NO3- artifacts. Significant NO3- losses (approximately 50% of total NO3-) were found in Riverside, Philadelphia, and Boston, while minimal artifacts were observed in the other sites. Two types of HEADS configurations were employed in five cities. One system used a Na2CO3-coated glass fiber filter, and the other type used a nylon filter to collect volatilized NO3- from the Teflon filter. The HEADS with the Na2CO3-coated filter consistently underestimated the total particulate NO3- by approximately 20% compared to the nylon HEADS.     

室内PM2.5浓度控制模拟分析

利用质量平衡方程建立了一次回风定风量系统室内PM2.5浓度模型,并对新风PM2.5浓度、新风量、室内污染源、过滤器效率、过滤器安装位置等因素对室内PM2.5浓度的影响进行了模拟分析。模拟结果表明：新风PM2.5浓度和室内污染源强度的变化对室内PM2.5浓度均有较大影响;新风量越大,室内PM2.5浓度受新风PM2.5浓度变化的影响越大;将过滤器分别安装在送风段、新风段和回风段,新风比为0.1时,过滤器安装在送风段效果最好,安装在新风段最差,新风比为0.8时,过滤器安装在送风段效果最好,安装在回风段最差;过滤器安装在送风段时,过滤器效率越高,室内PM2.5浓度越低,波动越小。     

An evaluation of the PM2.5 trace elemental composition in the Venice Lagoon area and an analysis of the possible sources

Global emissions reported by many authors have shown as natural and anthropic sources can contribute to the principal aerosol classes, but values change according the local scenario. The Venice Lagoon is exposed to different anthropic source emissions like vehicular traffic, industrial thermoelectric power plant, petrochemical plant, incinerator plant, domestic heating, ship traffic, glass factories and airport. Samplings of PM_2.5 were daily performed between March and November 2007 in Sacca San Biagio island (Venice), and values of PM_2.5 concentration and element concentration were obtained. Monthly average concentrations (μg m^?3) during this period show higher values during the spring and the autumn. A good relationship between data obtained and concentration values from environmental local agencies is evidenced, both for PM_2.5 from urban area (Venezia Mestre), and for PM₁₀ sampled in the same area, as well as the influence of some meteorological parameters on PM_2.5 concentration sampled. Trace elements samples were measured by an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (ICP-QMS), and values (ng m^?3 and μg g^?1) for elements regulated by European directives (As, Cd, Ni, Pb), as well as, other elements (Na, Al, K, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Se, Ag) are also reported. Data analysis by mean of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) pointed out four principal groups of elements like Mn–Fe–K, As–Se–Cd, V–Co, and Pb that could be assigned to specific sources of the Venetian wetland basin.     

贵阳市白云区大气PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)污染特征

使用β射线法在线监测仪连续监测了贵阳市白云区PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)浓度,分析了2014年6月1日—12月31日7个月内PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)的浓度水平、时变规律和PM_(2.5)/PM_(10)的变化情况。结果表明,监测时段内PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)的日均浓度平均值分别为76.8μg/m~3和40.0μg/m~3,均达到国家二级标准;浓度超标的天数占总观测天数的5.1%和9.3%,属污染轻微的地区。PM_(2.5)/PM_(10)在25.3%~78.8%之间周期性波动,平均值为52.1%。PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)的浓度变化具有很好的正相关性(r=0.919 8,p0.000 1);日均值在7个月中呈现明显的周期性变化,各月相对稳定,12月的PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)浓度最高且变化最为剧烈,6月最为平缓。PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)浓度小时变化总体上呈双峰型分布,最高值出现在出现在09:00—10:00和19:00—21:00前后,最低值出现在14:00—17:00之间。     

烧结机细颗粒物PM2.5排放特性

利用基于荷电低压颗粒物撞击器(ELPI)的颗粒物排放稀释采样系统,对不同烧结机组的机头、机尾、配料和整粒后的烟粉尘进行了PM2.5的现场测试。结果表明了各测试点位排放的PM2.5粒径分布和质量浓度分布特点。烧结机机头脱硫后虽然降低PM2.5的质量浓度,却增大了其粒数浓度,因此应对脱硫工艺进行优化。PM2.5单体颗粒形态有:球形颗粒、超细颗粒、不规则颗粒和烟尘集合体。PM2.5中SO42-、有机碳(OC)、无机碳(EC)和铁(Fe)的含量较高,分别为2.65%~10.76%,6.15%~12.6%,3.05%~10.05%和4.14%~26.78%。     

Monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5 around primary particulate anthropogenic emission sources

Investigations on the monitoring of ambient air levels of atmospheric particulates were developed around a large source of primary anthropogenic particulate emissions: the industrial ceramic area in the province of Castelló (Eastern Spain). Although these primary particulate emissions have a coarse grain-size distribution, the atmospheric transport dominated by the breeze circulation accounts for a grain-size segregation, which results in ambient air particles occurring mainly in the 2.5–10 μm range. The chemical composition of the ceramic particulate emissions is very similar to the crustal end-member but the use of high Al, Ti and Fe as tracer elements as well as a peculiar grain-size distribution in the insoluble major phases allow us to identify the ceramic input in the bulk particulate matter. PM2.5 instead of PM10 monitoring may avoid the interference of crustal particles without a major reduction in the secondary anthropogenic load, with the exception of nitrate. However, a methodology based in PM2.5 measurement alone is not adequate for monitoring the impact of primary particulate emissions (such as ceramic emissions) on air quality, since the major ambient air particles derived from these emissions are mainly in the range of 2.5–10 μm. Consequently, in areas characterised by major secondary particulate emissions, PM2.5 monitoring should detect anthropogenic particulate pollutants without crustal particulate interference, whereas PM10 measurements should be used in areas with major primary anthropogenic particulate emissions.     

Particulate matter in California: part 2--Spatial, temporal, and compositional patterns of PM2.5, PM10-2.5, and PM10

Geographic and temporal variations in the concentration and composition of particulate matter (PM) provide important insights into particle sources, atmospheric processes that influence particle formation, and PM management strategies. In the nonurban areas of California, annual-average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations range from 3 to 10 microg/m3 and from 5 to 18 microg/m3, respectively. In the urban areas of California, annual-averages for PM2.5 range from 7 to 30 microg/m3, with observed 24-hr peaks reaching levels as high as 160 microg/m3. Within each air basin, exceedances are a mixture of isolated events as well as periods of elevated PM2.5 concentrations that are more prolonged and regional in nature. PM2.5 concentrations are generally highest during the winter months. The exception is the South Coast Air Basin, where fairly high values occur throughout the year. Annual-average PM2.5 mass, as well as the concentrations of major components, declined from 1988 to 2000. The declines are especially pronounced for the sulfate (SO4(2-)) and nitrate (NO3-) components of PM2.5 and PM10) and correlate with reductions in ambient levels of oxides of sulfur (SOx) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Annual averages for PM10-2.5 and PM10 exhibited similar downwind trends from 1994 to 1999, with a slightly less pronounced decrease in the coarse fraction.