Characterization of major natural and anthropogenic source profiles for size-fractionated PM in Yangtze River Delta

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volume 598
Author(s): Pulong Chen, Tijian Wang, Mei Dong, Matthew Kasoar, Yong Han, Min Xie, Shu Li, Bingliang Zhuang, Mengmeng Li, Tunan Huang
Samples of size-fractionated particles were collected from local natural and anthropogenic sources in two industrial cities in the Yangtze River Delta, using either grab/resuspension sampling or ambient air sampling. The chemical characterizations of twenty one source profiles were obtained, based on elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb and Zn), soluble ions (Cl⁻, NO3⁻, SO4²⁻, NH4⁺, K⁺, Na⁺ and Ca²⁺) and carbonaceous material such as organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC). The profiles vary between sources from different areas, as well as between different particulate sizes. Results show that particulate matter that originated as soil dust, construction dust and fugitive dust is typically rich in crustal elements, especially Al, Ca, Fe and Mg, while the presence of calcium is found to be a hallmark of the cement industry and ceramic industry. Dominant compositions of particles from coal-fired power plants are variable, with OC ranging from 2.2%–27%. Garbage-fired power plant and cooking smoke particulate emissions are enriched in Na, Cl⁻, OC and K due to the presence of salty and organic matter. The element Fe, ranging from 6.1% to 26.0%, is found to be an important marker for steel production dust. Vehicle exhaust profiles are characterized by high abundances of OC (12.1%–53.6%) and EC (3.9%–20.0%). Burning of straw results in K (1.6%–7.2%) and OC (12.4%–25.9%) being the dominant composition. Preliminary work has also been done on establishing local industrial profiles such as textile, ceramic and electroplating industries. This work could be used in receptor model studies to estimate the contributions of different sources to the size-fractionated particulate matter in the Yangtze River Delta.

Graphical abstract

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