title: Evaluation of coarse and fine particulate sources using a portable aerosol monitor in a desert community.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to use a portable aerosol monitor as a preliminary screening tool to identify local sources of coarse (PM(10-2.5)) and fine (PM(2.5)) particulate matter within the Coachella Valley, a low-elevation desert community. The portable aerosol monitor proved to be useful in identifying particle sources unique to the region, namely, sand dunes with sparse ground cover (vegetation), a river wash, and diesel truck and freight train traffic. The general limitations relate to discrepancies in the fraction of PM(10-2.5) when compared to regional air quality data and a lack of accurate mass-based data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, Palm Springs Institute for Environmental Sustainability, California State University, San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407-2393, USA. phalen@csusb.edu
authors.forename: Robert N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Phalen
authors.forename: Ted
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Coleman
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols / Q000032:analysis*; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D003889:Desert Climate; D004777:Environment; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D001335:Vehicle Emissions