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Chemical characterization and sources of PM2.5 at 12-h resolution in Guiyang, China
Citation:
Liang, L., N. Liu, M. Landis, X. Xu, X. Feng, Z. Chen, L. Shang, AND G. Qiu. Chemical characterization and sources of PM2.5 at 12-h resolution in Guiyang, China. Acta Geochimica. Springer, Heidelburg, Germany, 37:334-345, (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-017-0248-1
Impact/Purpose:
Associations between atmospheric fine fraction (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μg) particulate matter (PM2.5) and adverse human health outcomes have been extensively reported (Pope et al., 2004; U.S EPA 2009; Stanek et al. 2011; Solomon et al. 2012; HEI, 2013). Due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and solubility, components of PM2.5 are considered to be respirable and bio-available (Raes et al., 2000; Kelly and Fussell, 2012). Moreover, PM2.5 can contain toxic heavy metals such as Cr, Cd, Ti, Mn, Ni, Pb, As, and Zn (Kim et al., 2004; Figueroa et al., 2006). Those PM2.5 associated toxic elements have been demonstrated to detrimentally affect cardiovascular and respiratory health risks, as well as posing a lung cancer risk (Gao et al., 2015; Costa and Dreher, 1997; Kodavanti et al., 1998; Adamson et al., 2000; Lewtas, 2007; Wallenborn et al., 2009). PM2.5 can also remain in the atmosphere for a considerable period time and transport over regional and global scales, hence it plays an important role in the dispersion of its combined toxic elements in the environment.
Description:
The increasing emission of primary and gaseous precursors of secondarily formed atmospheric particulate matter due to continuing industrial development and urbanization are leading to an increased public awareness of environmental issues and human health risks in China. As part of a pilot study, 12-h integrated fine fraction particulate matter (PM2.5) filter samples were collected to chemically characterize and investigate the sources of ambient particulate matter in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, southwestern China. Results showed that the 12-h integrated PM2.5 concentrations exhibited a daytime average of 51 ± 22 µg m−3 (mean ± standard deviation) with a range of 17–128 µg m−3 and a nighttime average of 55 ± 32 µg m−3 with a range of 4–186 µg m−3. The 24-h integrated PM2.5 concentrations varied from 15 to 157 µg m−3, with a mean value of 53 ± 25 µg m−3, which exceeded the 24-h PM2.5 standard of 35 µg m−3 set by USEPA, but was below the standard of 75 µg m−3, set by China Ministry of Environmental Protection. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) was applied to determine PM2.5 chemical element concentrations. The order of concentrations of heavy metals in PM2.5 were iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > manganese (Mn) > lead (Pb) > arsenic (As) > chromium (Cr). The total concentration of 18 chemical elements was 13 ± 2 µg m−3, accounting for 25% in PM2.5, which is comparable to other major cities in China, but much higher than cities outside of China.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Chemical characterization and sources of PM2.5 at 12-h resolution in Guiyang, China
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