Analysis of aerosol particles and coarse particulate matter concentrations in Chillán, Chile, 2001-2003.
Daily particle samples were collected in Chillán, Chile, at six urban locations from September 1, 2001, through September 30, 2003. Aerosol samples were collected using monitors equipped with a Sierra Andersen 246-b cyclone inlet on Teflon filters. Average concentrations of coarse particulate matter (PM10) for the 2001-2003 period ranged from 43.4 microg/m3 to 81.8 microg/m3 across the six sites. Annual PM10 concentration levels exceeded the European Union concentration limits. Mean PM10 levels during the cold season (April through September) were more than twice as high as those observed in the warm season (October through March). Average contributions to PM10 from organic matter, soil dust, nitrate (NO3-), elemental carbon, ammonium (NH4+), and sulfate (SO4(2-)) were 31%, 27%, 11%, 8%, 7%, and 5%, respectively. The chemical analyses indicated that carbonaceous substances were the most abundant components of PM10 in cold months, whereas crustal material was the most abundant component of PM10 during warm months. Higher concentration levels were observed in the downtown area suggesting a clear anthropogenic origin, whereas in the rural sites the source was mainly natural, such as resuspended soil dust associated with traffic on unpaved roads and agricultural activities.
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile. jcelis@udec.cl
José E
JE
Celis
Robert G
RG
Flocchini
Omar F
OF
Carvacho
José R
JR
Morales
Claudio A
CA
Zaror
Juan C
JC
Inzunza
Mario J
MJ
Pineda
D000336:Aerosols; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D002677:Chile; D002947:Cities; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D004602:Elements; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D009566:Nitrates / Q000032:analysis; D010316:Particle Size; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000032:analysis; D012621:Seasons; D013431:Sulfates / Q000032:analysis
D000336:Aerosols; D000393:Air Pollutants; D004391:Dust; D004602:Elements; D009566:Nitrates; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D013431:Sulfates