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HOUSTON URBAN PLUME STUDY, 1974. MICROSCOPICAL IDENTIFICATION OF COLLECTED AEROSOLS
Citation:
Draftz, R. AND J. Graf. HOUSTON URBAN PLUME STUDY, 1974. MICROSCOPICAL IDENTIFICATION OF COLLECTED AEROSOLS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/3-79/090.
Description:
An urban plume study was conducted in Houston during July 1974 to gain preliminary data on the concentration and composition of primary and secondary aerosols contributing to Houston's air pollution problem. Selected membrane filter samples containing urban aerosols were analyzed by polarized light and scanning electron microscopy to identify the aerosols and their possible sources. The aerosol samples, collected by aircraft at elevations from 1,000 to 4,000 feet above sea level, consisted principally (more than 95 percent by number) of mineral silicate fragments. A trace to minor quantity of carbonaceous particles (resembling diesel exhaust), lead bromide compounds (from vehicle exhausts), and sea salt were also found in most samples. No discrete particles of ammonium sulfate were present.