Atmospheric concentrations of PM2.5 trace elements in the Seoul urban area of South Korea.
Fine particles (PM2.5) were collected during all four seasons, from April 2001 to February 2002, in Seoul, South Korea, using an annular denuder system. Elemental compositions of ambient PM2.5 were analyzed using the proton-induced X-ray emission method. The greatest contributors (> or = 2%) to the PM2.5 mass were sulfur (S), silicon (Si), chlorine (Cl), aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe) in the spring; S in the summer; and S and Cl in the fall. S, Cl, and Si were the major elements in the winter. S was the most abundant species among the elements, ranging from 5.3 to 7.9%, followed by Si and Cl. From analysis of variance, PM2.5 mass, Al, Si, potassium, calcium, and Fe showed significant seasonal differences during the four seasons (p < 0.001). Enrichment factor (EF) analysis was carried out to identify the sources affecting the aerosol in the Seoul area. On the basis of the mean EF values, elemental S, copper, zinc, and lead may be emitted from anthropogenic sources (EF > 50). Elemental Al, Si, titanium, and Fe may be emitted from crustal sources (EF < 3). Additionally, a correlation analysis was carried out for source identification. The results of the correlation analysis were confirmed by the results of the EF analysis.
Kang
Choong-Min
CM
Department of Environmental Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea.
Sunwoo
Young
Y
Lee
Hak Sung
HS
Kang
Byung-Wook
BW
Lee
Sang-Kwun
SK
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007723:Korea; D010316:Particle Size; D012621:Seasons; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D014131:Trace Elements