Chemical characterization of PM1 around an Industrial area

Abstract

Balvinder Jaswantsingh Talwar, Avinash VitthalBharati

PM1 (particles less than 1 μm in diameter) were collected continuously from October to November 2010. The concentrations of water-soluble ions (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, F-, Cl-, NO3-and SO42-) and metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Zn) were determined in the filter samples to characterize the chemical composition of PM1 over Nagpur, India at an industrial area during winter. The mean PM1 mass concentration was 53.3 μg/m3. Water-soluble inorganic ions were dominant chemical species and occupied to 32.5% of PM1 mass. NH4+, SO42-and NO3-were the major species of ionic compounds, which accounted for 88.6??of total ions concentration. Metals occupied 7.8 % of PM1 mass. Principle component analysis indicates that secondary sources, industrial emissions and re-suspension of road dust are the sources ofPM1. The aim of this study is to evaluate PM1 pollution at industrial area in Nagpur city, India and find the sources of PM1. For the effective management of the air quality, it is very important to identify the sources of PM1. Chemical analysis of PM1 could provide information on the presence of chemical species that could contribute to particle toxicity. Inhalation exposure to PM1 is concern for both environmental and occupational health research.