Multi-element correlations for airborne particulate source attribution

Photon and thermal neutron activation analysis were used to analyze airborne particulate matter obtained during the period January to March of 1984 for up to thirty elements. Elemental concentrations and meteorological data from the Toronto, Ontario area were subjected to factor analysis and the major sources of particulate deduced. Elemental profiles for six sources, viz. crustal soil, automobile exhaust, road salt, refuse incineration, oil combustion and an unidentified arsenic source, were used in a chemical element balance to quantitatively determine the contribution of each source to the ambient aerosol. Re-entrained soil contributed 67%, automobile exhaust contributed 15% and the other sources contributed lesser amounts to the inorganic particulate matter. Particle-size distributions for nine elements, viz. Al, Fe, Sc, As, Br, Cl, Zn, Mn, V, are presented as an argument for the development of receptor models involving particle-size distribution data.     

Source Apportionment Research of Fine Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere by PAHs

Haze weather frequently occurs in many cities in China. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in fine particulate matter(PM_2.5) can adversely affect the environment and human health. In this paper, PM_2.5 samples were collected at nine sites in a city in northeastern China from September 2013 to October 2014. Sixteen USEPA(US Evironment Protection Agency) priority PAHs in PM_2.5 were analyzed to determine their spatial and temporal distribution characteristics. The source apportionment of PAHs was conducted with the Positive Matrix Factorization(PMF) model. The results indicate that the concentrations of total PAHs(T-PAHs) in PM_2.5 are within the range of 0.26 to 72.48 ng/m³. The seasonal variation of T-PAHs is winter >spring >autumn >summer, and the space distribution of PAHs is JZP >DP >BFH >LP >EESA >IPT >CP >HZMC >JYP. In all types of PAHs, three-ring and five-ring PAHs are significantly prominent(62%) in the heating period due to petrogenic sources and traffic emissions. Middle- and high-ring PAHs in the non-heating period are caused by coal combustion and vehicle exhaust, which accounts for 77% of the total emissions. The source apportionment results obtained by the diagnostic ratio of PAHs reflect that coal burning, traffic and other sources have a distinct influence on PAH emissions in this city. Six factors are defined by PMF v5.0, namely, coke oven emissions(7.7%), biomass burning(44.3%), petrogenic sources(10.7%), coal combustion(10.4%), gasoline engine emissions(16.7%), and diesel engine emissions(10.3%). The results indicate that the PAHs in PM_2.5 in the city are primarily caused by combustion processes and vehicle exhaust.     

Determination of multi-element profiles of soil at Visakhapatnam using EDXRF technique

In the present study attempt has been made to generate elemental profile database for major sources of soil pollution, specific to Visakhapatnam. Representative road dust and soil samples from major industrial locations were collected and analyzed for various metals distribution using EDXRF. Analysis results indicate that V and Ni were predominant at PR and Zn was found to be dominating in road dust samples. Higher concentration of Arsenic was observed at TPP as compared to all other sites. Cr was found to be dominating at TPP and SP. I _geo calculations suggest that soil is highly contaminated with heavy metal pollutants.     

INAA in Combination with Other Analytical Techniques in the Study of Urban Aerosol Sources

Concentrations of elements in fine and coarse PM10 samples collected in Ho Chi Minh City were determined by INAA for the purpose of characterising air pollution sources using multivariate receptor modeling techniques. Seven sources common to coarse and fine samples were identified. Resuspended soil dust is dominant in the coarse samples accounting for 41% of the particulate mass. In the fine samples, vehicle emissions and coal burning are most important accounting for about 20% each. Although a great number of elements were included in the input data for receptor modeling, the interpretation of emission sources was not always straightforward. Information on other source markers were needed. Therefore, a polarography method was used for quantifying lead, and recently, ion chromatography method became available for quantifying secondary sulphates, nitrates and other water soluble ions.     

成都市近地表大气尘元素地球化学分区研究

将成都市近地表大气尘通过多元统计的方法进行功能分区,可分为商业和居民生活区、三环路环带区域、东郊工业区、黄田坝和琉璃场工业区4个区域。源解析结果显示,商业和居民生活区的主要污染源是交通扬尘和城市生活垃圾尘;三环路环带区域近地表大气尘尘源是土壤风沙、燃煤、燃油和冶金;东郊的主要尘源是冶金和燃煤;黄田坝和琉璃场工业区近地表大气尘的主要排放源是冶金尘、污水和土壤。     

Source identification and long-term monitoring of airborne particulate matter (PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>/PM<Subscript>10</Subscript>) in an urban region of Korea

Summary For the identification of air pollution sources, about 500 airborne particulate matter (PM_2.5and PM₁₀) samples were collected by using a Gent air sampler and a polycarbonate filter in an urban region in the middle of Korea from 2000 to 2003. The concentrations of 25 elements in the samples were measured by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Receptor modeling was performed on the air monitoring data by using the positive matrix factorization (PMF2) method. According to this analysis, the existence of 6 to 10PMF factors, such as metal-alloy, oil combustion, diesel exhaust, coal combustion, gasoline exhaust, incinerator, Cu-smelter, biomass burning, sea-salt, and soil dust were identified.     

Semicontinuous GC analysis and receptor modelling for source apportionment of ozone precursor hydrocarbons in Bresso, Milan, 2003

The European Ozone Directive 2002/3/EC specifies the analysis of 30 individual C2-C9 hydrocarbons in urban air with the attribution of emission sources to pollution concentrations as a major objective. In the present study, we investigate an approach for source apportionment of these ozone precursor hydrocarbons in urban air based on reliable semi continuous volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis in the field and in vehicle emission laboratory combined with multivariate receptor modeling. The GC system relies on an hourly analytical cycle based on a trap sample enrichment phase followed by a dual column gas chromatographic flame ionisation detector (FID) analysis and has successfully been tested during an air monitoring campaign at an urban site (Milan, Italy, September 2003) and in the vehicle laboratory performing exhaust emission measurements while running driving cycles on a chassis dynamometer (mopeds, gasoline and diesel cars). The receptor modeling relies on two complementary principles. The chemical mass balance (CMB) modeling apportions well characterized source profiles for the 30 individual C2-C9 hydrocarbons in the Ozone Directive to the concentrations in ambient air and produces source contribution estimates (SCE) as output. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) analyses variability in the ambient air concentration data and searches for latent variables consisting of co-varying hydrocarbons and produces profiles as output, which in this study could be attributed to known emission sources. Both CMB and PMF rely on an estimated uncertainty for each input data. A new approach is presented, by which the uncertainty is allowed to float as function of the photochemical reactivity of the atmosphere and the stability of each individual compound.     

A particle-size specific elemental mass balance for the apportionment of ambient aerosol

Photon and thermal neutron activation analysis were used to determine the concentrations of up to thirty elements in aerosol samples collected by cascade impactor in Toronto, Canada during the period July to December of 1985. Examination of the particle-size distributions thus obtained led to the development of a new receptor model. A size-specific elemental mass balance (SSEMB) was used to apportion the mean ambient Pb aerosol concentration amongst four contributing sources as follows: secondary lead refinery emissions (46%), refuse incineration (28%), automotive exhaust (25%) and re-entrained soil and dust (<1%). The predicted concentrations of Al, As, Br, Na, Pb, Sb, and Zn agreed with observed concentrations to within a factor of two for most elements in most particle size fractions.     

Pilot study: PAH fingerprints of aircraft exhaust in comparison with diesel engine exhaust

In the course of a preliminary investigation the PAH fingerprints from diesel engines were compared with those from aircraft turbines. The goal was to determine whether PAH fingerprints permit to distinguish between the sources of air and road traffic. The results showed that the PAH spectra of both sources do not vary significantly. However, in turbine exhaust gas p-quaterphenyl was found, that is untypical for diesel engines. So this component may be a tracer for PAH pollution from aeroplanes.     

Elemental concentrations and source identification of air particulate matter at a Nigerian site: A preliminary study

Air particulate matter collected between July and October 1990 at a site located close to an industrial estate in Lagos, Nigeria were analyzed for 18 elements by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Varimax rotated factor analysis was used for source identification of the coarse and fine fractions. For the coarse fraction, the major sources are: Re-entrained soil, Sea-salt, Industry, Regional sulphate and fresh automobile exhaust. For the fine fraction, the sources identified are Re-entrained soil, Vehicle exhaust, Sea-salt, and Industrial processes. Two other sources which are likely to be due to specific industrues come out in the fine fraction but they have not been clearly identified.     

Pilot study: PAH fingerprints of aircraft exhaust in comparison with diesel engine exhaust

In the course of a preliminary investigation the PAH fingerprints from diesel engines were compared with those from aircraft turbines. The goal was to determine whether PAH fingerprints permit to distinguish between the sources of air and road traffic. The results showed that the PAH spectra of both sources do not vary significantly. However, in turbine exhaust gas p-quaterphenyl was found, that is untypical for diesel engines. So this component may be a tracer for PAH pollution from aeroplanes. Received: 7 February 1997 / Revised: 24 September 1997 / Accepted: 27 September 1997     

An environmental pollution study of Indian metropolitan cities and Industrial surroundings by INAA

The process of urbanization and industrialization during las two decades has resulted in increased level of air pollution causing hazards to human health. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) using short and long term irradiation has been employed for the determination of more than 30 elements in suspended particulate matter (SPM) from six metropolitan cities and three industrial surroundings. A comparison of mean elemental contents in dust particulates from commercial, industrial and residential zones of Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Cochin, Bombay and Nagpur cities has shown wide variation in toxic pollutant (As, Br, Cr, Cu, Hg and Sb) concentrations. Coastal areas have shown higher concentrations of Na, K, Cl and Br. Highly industrialized Bombay showed highest levels of Br, Cl, Cr, Fe, Mg, P, Rb and Sc. Mean elemental contents in fugitive and ambient dust of a cement factory and thermal power station (both in central India) are widely different. SPM levels in fugitive dust of the two industrial surroundings are higher by an order of magnitude compared to ambient air. Analysis of ambient air dust from a paper mill showed highest concentrations of Hg, Sb and Zn. Elemental data have been compared with those of Urban Particulate Matter (SRM 1648), Coal Fly Ash (SRM 1633a) and Vehicle Exhaust Particulate (NIES No. 8) which were analysed for quality control. An attempt has been made to attribute the elemental contents to possible sources of origin.     

INAA study for characterization of PM10 and PM2.5 in Beijing and influence of dust storm

Summary PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 samples were collected simultaneously in Beijing, China, and analyzed by INAA and ICP-MS. Seasonal variations of the concentrations of ambient particles and their elemental compositions were found. The main sources of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in spring were the crust, coal burning and vehicle exhaust, in which the former was significant. During a strong dust storm, the concentrations of the crustal elements in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 increased remarkably, but the concentrations of some anthropogenic elements decreased. The enrichment factors of these anthropogenic elements also decreased sharply during the dust storm, which indicated that they were mostly originated from local anthropogenic pollution and diluted by the huge amount of dust.     

Source identification of lead-containing particles in the ambient air of the center of Shanghai by analyzing individual aerosol particles

Summary Single aerosol particles were analyzed in the ambient air of the center of Shanghai by scanning proton microprobe to obtain characteristic X-ray spectra (micro-PIXE) which were considered to be the fingerprints of these aerosol particles. The origin of the lead-containing particles was identified by the combination of the micro-PIXE spectra with pattern recognition technique. It was found that the most of the lead-containing particles were derived from vehicle exhaust, coal combustion and soil dust.     

Epoxides,Hydroperoxides and Peroxides in Air Pollution

A major source of air pollutants in urban areas is automobile exhaust. Olefins constitute a substantial proportion of the chemicals emitted by this source. Olefins undergo autoxidation and photochemical oxidation in air to hydroperoxides, peroxides, epoxides and other oxygenated aliphatics, frequently of low molecular weight. Long-term carcinogenicity assays of these compounds in mice and rats by various routes of administration have shown that some of these compounds are carcinogenic. Hence, their detection and elimination as air pollutants should be vigorously pursued. This report describes the current status of air pollution research on these compounds, their carcinogenicity, structure-activity relationships and areas which deserve attention in future research. Oxidation products of aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants are also important and will be described.     

应用水汽相变促进湿法脱硫净烟气中PM_(2.5)和SO_3酸雾脱除的研究

在石灰石-石膏法脱硫净烟气中分别采用添加适量蒸汽和湿空气方式建立PM_(2.5)和SO_3酸雾凝结长大所需的过饱和水汽环境,在测试分析湿法脱硫净烟气中PM_(2.5)及SO_3酸雾物性的基础上,考察了蒸汽及湿空气添加量、脱硫净烟气温度等的影响。结果表明,湿法脱硫净烟气中PM2.5除含有燃煤飞灰外,含Ca SO_4、Ca SO_3及未反应的Ca CO_3等组分;由于SO_3酸雾基本处于亚微米级粒径范围,湿法烟气脱硫(WFGD)系统对SO_3酸雾的脱除率仅为35%-55%;添加适量蒸汽及湿空气方式均可促进湿法脱硫净烟气中PM_(2.5)和SO_3酸雾脱除,最终排放浓度随蒸汽或湿空气添加量的增加而降低,其中,添加蒸汽方式适合于脱硫净烟气温度较低(≤50-55℃)的场合,在脱硫净烟气温度较高(≥55-60℃)时,利用添加湿空气方式替代添加蒸汽更具技术经济优势。     

Speciation of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) in spiked extracts from road dust using on-line liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The emission of platinum from automobile catalytic exhaust converters is well known and the accumulation of Pt in road dust has been studied by the analysis of total Pt contents. However, there are few studies on the speciation of the emitted Pt-compounds in the environment. A separation method with HPLC-UV has been developed by Nachtigall et al. [Chromatogr. A 775 (1997) 197] with aqueous standards of Pt(II)- and Pt(IV)-chloro complexes. Due to the limited selectivity and sensitivity of the UV-detection this method is not suitable for Pt-speciation in road dust extracts. Therefore, in this study the method of Nachtigall et al. was modified to realize an on-line coupling to ICP-MS with the advantage of Pt-specific detection. Calibration was performed with aqueous standards and spiked road dust extracts. Calibration curves were linear with low residual standard deviation (1.3-3.1% for the aqueous standards) and approximately 10-times lower detection limits compared to the HPLC-UV-method. Moreover, the stability of the model species was investigated using isocratic as well as gradient separation. Isotopic ratios of 194Pt, 195Pt, 196Pt and 198Pt were determined for quality control. A new mathematical correction method for the HfO-interference on the 195Pt-signal was developed. Additionally, the elution pattern of further elements in the road dust extracts was monitored and total element contents were determined in unspiked road dust extracts.     

Optimisation of pre-treatment and ionisation for GC/MS analysis for the determination of chlorinated PAHs in atmospheric particulate samples

Chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ClPAHs) have been discovered to represent ubiquitous environmental pollutants in the last decade. In the present study, sample pre-treatment and ionisation conditions associated with the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of ClPAHs were evaluated. The optimal pre-treatment of ambient air particulate samples was achieved using fractionation over silica gel with 10% dichloromethane in n-hexane as the eluent. The optimised condition of GC/MS with electron impact ionisation permitted analysis of all target ClPAHs. Not all target ClPAHs were detected using GC/MS with negative chemical ionisation, although this technique exhibited greater sensitivity for several of the compounds compared to electron impact ionisation. The analytical method was applied to the survey of ClPAHs in atmospheric particulate matter obtained close to an industrial site and in a standard sample of tunnel dust. Fourteen and eighteen species of ClPAHs were detected in the industrial air samples and tunnel dust, respectively, confirming the capability of the method. The compositions of ClPAHs were significantly different between air samples and tunnel dust. It suggests that alternative emission sources rather than vehicle exhaust could play a significant role in the air.     

The effects on soil/water/plant/animal systems by platinum group elements

Emissions of toxic substances such as oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, and, in addition, aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes and heavy metals are the most serious problem of road traffic affecting landscape. Platinum group elements (PGE), which are the main component of the catalyst, are one of the main sources of heavy metals in the environment. Here, we review the way by which emissions and forms of the emitted PGE end up in the environment especially to the soil-water-plant-animal system. The major points discussed are the following: 1) the main sources of PGE emission are automobile exhaust catalysts; 2) hospitals, where platinum is widely used to treat malignant neoplasm, and urban waste water belonging to other important sources of PGE in the environment; 3) soil is one of the most important components of the environment that may be contaminated with platinum metals; 4) phytotoxicity of PGE depends on the following conditions: the concentration of metals in the soil, time of exposure, the chemical form of metal, the chemical composition of exposed soil and plant species; 5) animals are also endangered by the increasing concentration of PGE in the environment. Moreover, we pay our attention to thiol-based mechanisms of how an organism protects itself against platinum group elements.      

Modeling the Effects of Major Pollutants on the Quality of Atmospheric Air in a Large Industrial Center

Russian Journal of General Chemistry - The main sources of air pollution in large industrial centers are considered. The characteristics of the pollutants contained in car exhaust emissions are...