Appraisal of measurement methods, chemical composition and sources of fine atmospheric particles over six different areas of Northern Belgium.
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.
Bencs
László
L
Micro and Trace Analysis Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Belgium. laszlo.bencs@ua.ac.be
Ravindra
Khaiwal
K
de Hoog
Johan
J
Spolnik
Zoya
Z
Bleux
Nico
N
Berghmans
Patrick
P
Deutsch
Felix
F
Roekens
Edward
E
Van Grieken
René
R
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
D000393:Air Pollutants; D008670:Metals; D052638:Particulate Matter; D002244:Carbon