title: Characterization of PM10 samples from Vanderbijlpark in South Africa.
abstract: In this study, mass concentrations and physico-chemical characteristics of suspended particulates of aerodynamic size 10 μm (PM10) were evaluated. A dual E-Sampler which combines the light scatter and the gravimetric filter methods was used. Sampling occurred between August and December 2009. Scanning Electron Microscope - Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma 6000 were used for elemental and physical characterization. The highest daily average mass concentration measured was 0.03543 mg/m(3) and was below the international and national daily limit of 0.150 mg/m(3), as well as the strict Vaal Triangle regional standard of 0.075 μg/m(3). Relatively high daily average mass concentrations were obtained during the winter period. Concentrations of evaluated heavy metals decreased in the following order: iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) > vanadium (V) > titanium (Ti) > nickel (Ni) > lead (Pb). Positive correlations were established between Zn and Pb (r = 0.916); Zn and Mn (r = 0.883); Zn and V (0.984); Zn and Ni (r = 0.877); Zn and Fe (r = 0.914), which suggests common sources. However, Zn and Ti (r = 0.522); Zn and Cu (0.781) were poorly correlated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa. mojasj@unisa.ac.za
authors.forename: Shadung J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Moja
authors.forename: Jeremiah S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Mnisi
authors.forename: Mathews M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Nindi
authors.forename: Jonathan O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Okonkwo
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D013019:South Africa
chemical_list: D052638:Particulate Matter