title: Appraisal of measurement methods, chemical composition and sources of fine atmospheric particles over six different areas of Northern Belgium.
abstract: Daily and seasonal variation in the total elemental, organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) content and mass of PM(2.5) were studied at industrial, urban, suburban and agricultural/rural areas. Continuous (optical Dustscan, standard tapered element oscillating micro-balance (TEOM), TEOM with filter dynamics measurement system), semi-continuous (Partisol filter-sampling) and non-continuous (Dekati-impactor sampling and gravimetry) methods of PM(2.5) mass monitoring were critically evaluated. The average elemental fraction accounted for 2-6% of the PM(2.5) mass measured by gravimetry. Metals, like K, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb were strongly inter-correlated, also frequently with non-metallic elements (P, S, Cl and/or Br) and EC/OC. A high OC/EC ratio (2-9) was generally observed. The total carbon content of PM(2.5) ranged between 3 and 77% (averages: 12-32%), peaking near industrial/heavy trafficked sites. Principal component analysis identified heavy oil burning, ferrous/non-ferrous industry and vehicular emissions as the main sources of metal pollution.
authors: Micro and Trace Analysis Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Belgium. laszlo.bencs@ua.ac.be
authors: László
authors: L
authors: Bencs
authors: Khaiwal
authors: K
authors: Ravindra
authors: Johan
authors: J
authors: de Hoog
authors: Zoya
authors: Z
authors: Spolnik
authors: Nico
authors: N
authors: Bleux
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: Berghmans
authors: Felix
authors: F
authors: Deutsch
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: Roekens
authors: René
authors: R
authors: Van Grieken
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D001272:Atmosphere / Q000737:chemistry*; D001530:Belgium; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D012621:Seasons
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D008670:Metals; D052638:Particulate Matter; D002244:Carbon