Chemical Mass Closure and Chemical Characteristics of Ambient Ultrafine Particles and other PM Fractions

Ambient ultrafine particles (UPs or PM _0.1 ), PM _2.5 and PM ₁₀ were investigated at the roadside of Syuefu road in Hsinchu city and in the Syueshan highway tunnel in Taipei, Taiwan. A SMPS (TSI Model 3936), three Dichotomous samplers (Andersen Model SA-241), and three MOUDIs (MSP Model 110) were collocated to determine the PM number and mass concentrations simultaneously. The filter samples were further analyzed for organic carbon (OC), element carbon (EC), water-soluble ions, and trace elements. The OC artifact was studied and quantified using the quartz behind quartz (QBQ) method for all PM fractions. Taking into account the OC artifact, chemical mass closure (ratio of the reconstructed chemical mass to the gravimetrical mass) of PM _0.1 , PM _2.5 , and PM ₁₀ was then calculated and found to be good. The chemical analysis results of UPs at both sites showed that UPs in the present tunnel was mostly contributed from the vehicle emissions while UPs at the roadside was mainly influenced by urban sources.     

PM10/PM2.5/PM1 Data from a Trichotomous Sampler

ABSTRACT

As part of an effort to determine whether 1 μm or 2.5 μam is the better choice for a new fine particulate matter standard, Professor Virgil A. Marple of the University of Minnesota developed a high volume trichotomous (PM₁₀/PM_2.5 /PM₁) sampler. Two of these samplers were used to obtain particulate matter (PM) samples at a site located in Phoenix, Arizona, from May 1995 through October 1995. All filter samples were analyzed for mass concentrations and a few for elemental and chemical compositions. Relative fractions were determined for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM₁, PM_2.5–10, and PM_1–2.5. Calculations were made to evaluate how coarse and fine mode aerosol contributed to the intermediate size range. Results indicated that most of the PM₁₀ in Phoenix was coarse mode PM (windblown dust), which was also a primary contributor to PM₂₅.     

PM1.0 and PM2.5 Characteristics in the Roadside Environment of Hong Kong

Daily mass concentrations of PM _1.0 (particles less than 1.0 μm in diameter), PM _2.5 (particles less than 2.5 μm in diameter), organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) were measured from January through May 2004 at a heavily trafficked sampling site in Hong Kong (PU). The average concentrations for PM _1.0 and PM _2.5 were 35.9 ± 12.4 μ g cm ^{? 3} and 52.3 ± 18.3 μ g cm ^{? 3} . Carbonaceous aerosols were the dominant species in fine particles, accounting for ～ 45.7% of PM _1.0 and ～ 44.4% of PM _2.5 . During the study period, seven fine-particle episodes occurred, due to the influence of long-range transport of air masses from mainland China. PM _1.0 and PM _2.5 responded in similar ways; i.e., with elevated mass and OC concentrations in those episode days. During the sampling period, PM _1.0 OC and EC generally behaved similarly to the carbonaceous aerosols in PM _2.5 , regardless of seasonal variations and influence by regional pollutions. The low and relatively constant OC/EC ratios in PM _1.0 and PM _2.5 indicated that vehicular emissions were major sources of carbonaceous aerosols. PM _1.0 and PM _2.5 had the same dominant sources of vehicular emissions in winter, while in spring PM _2.5 was more influenced by PM _{1 ? 2.5} (particles 1–2.5 μ m in diameter) that did not form from vehicle exhausts. Therefore, PM _1.0 was a better indicator for vehicular emissions at the Roadside Station.     

Effect of Soil Type and Momentum on Unpaved Road Particulate Matter Emissions from Wheeled and Tracked Vehicles

Excluding windblown dust, unpaved road dust PM ₁₀ emissions in the US EPA's 2002 National Emission Inventory account for more than half of all PM ₁₀ emissions in the arid states of the western U.S. (i.e., CA, AZ, NV, NM, and TX). Despite the large size of the source, substantial uncertainty is associated with both the vehicle activity (i.e., number of kilometers traveled at a particular speed) and the emission factors (i.e., grams of PM ₁₀ per kilometer traveled). In this study, emission factors were measured using the flux tower method for both tracked and wheeled military vehicles at three military bases in the Western U.S. Test vehicle weights ranged from 2400 kg to 60,000 kg. Results from both previously published and unpublished field studies are combined to link emission factors to three related variables: soil type, vehicle momentum, and tred type (i.e., tire or track). Current emission factor models in US EPA's AP-42 Emission Factor Compendium do not factor both speed and weight into unpaved road emission factor calculations. Tracked vehicle emission factors from Ft. Carson, CO, and Ft. Bliss, TX were related to vehicle momentum (speed ? mass) with ratios ranging from 0.004–0.006 (g-PM vkt^{? 1})/(kg m s^{? 1}). For similar vehicle momentum, wheeled vehicles emitted approximately 2 to 4 times more PM ₁₀ than tracked vehicles. At Yakima, WA, tracked vehicle PM ₁₀ emission factors were substantially higher (0.38 (g-PM vkt^{? 1})/(kg m s^{? 1})) due to the unique volcanic ash soil characteristics (48% silt). Results from PI-SWERL, a portable wind tunnel surrogate, are presented to assess its utility to predict unpaved road dust emissions without the deployment of flux tower systems. PI-SWERL showed only a factor of 6 variation between sites in comparison with the 60-fold variation as measured by the flux towers.     

Application of PSCF and CPF to PMF-Modeled Sources of PM2.5 in Pittsburgh

Ambient PM _2.5 composition data in Pittsburgh, PA have been used with Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) to determine the major sources of PM _2.5 sampled. This paper describes the use of the potential source contribution function (PSCF) with the PMF-modeled source contributions to locate the sources in a grid of 0.1° × 0.1° cells. The domain extends from the Pittsburgh Supersite at 40.44°N, 79.94°W over the range 35°–50° north latitude and 75°–90° west longitude. Six-hour back trajectories have been obtained from HYSPLIT four times each day for the 13 months of the study for use with PSCF. Using the results, higher probability locations are compared with known locations of specific source types, based on information from the EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) and the EPA AIRS Database. PSCF results for several sources are compared to the conditional probability function (CPF) analysis, which uses 15-minute wind direction data to determine the most probable direction of a source. Using PSCF and CPF together aids in interpretation of potential source regions. The selenium and sulfate factor source locations are regional, while the lead, cadmium, and specialty steel factor source locations are local. The gallium-rich and Fe, Mn, and Zn factor source locations are potentially both local and regional. The nitrate, vehicle emissions and road dust, wood combustion, vegetative detritus and cooking, and crustal material factor CPF and PSCF results were inconclusive as sources of these factors exist in all directions from the site and therefore one would not expect a clear probability field in any one direction.     

Chemical and microphysical properties of wind-blown dust near an actively retreating glacier in Yukon,Canada

Abstract

Airborne mineral aerosols emitted in high-latitude regions can impact radiative forcing, biogeochemical cycling of metals, and local air quality. The impact of dust emissions in these regions may change rapidly, as warming temperatures can increase mineral dust production and source regions. As there exists little research on mineral dust emissions in high-latitude regions, we have performed the first study of the physico-chemical properties of mineral dust emitted from a sub-Arctic proglacial dust source, using a method tailored to the remote conditions of the Canadian North. Soil and aerosol samples (PM₁₀ and deposited mineral dust) were collected in May 2018 near the Ä’äy Chù (Slims River), a site exhibiting strong dust emissions. WHO air quality thresholds were exceeded at several receptor sites near the dust source, indicating a negative impact on local air quality. Notably, temporally averaged particle size distributions of PM₁₀ were very fine as compared to those measured at more well-characterized, low-latitude dust sources. In addition, mineralogy and elemental composition of ambient PM₁₀ were characterized; PM₁₀ elemental composition was enriched in trace elements as compared to dust deposition, bulk soil samples, and the fine soil fractions (d?<?53?µm). Finally, through a comparison of the elemental composition of PM₁₀, dust deposition, and both fine and bulk soil fractions, as well as of meteorological factors measured during our campaign, we propose that the primary mechanisms for dust emissions from the Ä’äy Chù Valley are the rupture of clay coatings on particles and/or the release of resident fine particulate matter.

Copyright © 2019 American Association for Aerosol Research     

PM2.5 and PM10 Mass Measurements in California's San Joaquin Valley

PM _2.5 and PM ₁₀ mass measurements from different sampling systems and locations within California's San Joaquin Valley (SJV) are compared to determine how well mass concentrations from a unified data set can be used to address issues such as compliance with particulate matter (PM) standards, temporal and spatial variations, and model predictions. Pairwise comparisons were conducted among 20 samplers, including four Federal Reference Method (FRM) units, battery-powered MiniVols, sequential filter samplers, dichotomous samplers, Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactors (MOUDIs), beta attenuation monitors (BAMs), tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs), and nephelometers. The differences between FRM samplers were less than 10 and 20% for 70 and 92% of the pairwise comparisons, respectively. The TEOM, operating at 50°C in this study, measured less than the other samplers, consistent with other comparisons in nitrate-rich atmospheres. PM _2.5 mass measured continuously with the BAM was highly correlated with filter-based PM _2.5 although the absolute bias was greater than 20% in 45% of the cases. Light scattering (B _sp ) was also highly correlated with filter-based PM _2.5 at most sites, with mass scattering efficiencies varying by 10 and 20% for B _sp measured with Radiance Research nephelometers with and without PM _2.5 size-selective inlets, respectively. Collocating continuous monitors with filter samplers was shown to be useful for evaluating short-term variability and identifying outliers in the filter-based measurements. Comparability among different PM samplers used in CRPAQS is sufficient to evaluate spatial gradients larger than about 15% when the data are pooled together for spatial and temporal analysis and comparison with models.     

Chemical Characteristics of Fine Particles (PM1) from Xi'an,China

Daily mass concentrations of water-soluble inorganic (WS-i) ions, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) were determined for fine particulate matter (PM₁, particles < 1.0 μm in diameter) collected at Xi'an, China. The annual mean PM₁ mass concentration was 127.3 ± 62.1 μg m^–3: WS-i ions accounted for ～38% of the PM₁ mass; carbonaceous aerosol was ～30%; and an unidentified fraction, probably mostly mineral dust, was ～32%. WS-i ions and carbonaceous aerosol were the dominant species in winter and autumn, whereas the unidentified fraction had stronger influences in spring and summer. Ion balance calculations indicate that PM₁ was more acidic than PM_2.5 from the same site. PM₁ mass, sulfate and nitrate concentrations followed the order winter > spring > autumn > summer, but OC and EC levels were higher in autumn than spring. Annual mean OC and EC concentrations were 21.0 ± 12.0 μg m^?3 and 5.1 ± 2.7 μg m^–3 with high OC/EC ratios, presumably reflecting emissions from coal combustion and biomass burning. Secondary organic carbon, estimated from the minimum OC/EC ratios, comprised 28.9% of the OC. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis indicates that secondary aerosol and combustion emissions were the major sources for PM₁.     

Inter- and Intra-Community Variability in Continuous Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10-2.5) Concentrations in the Los Angeles Area

Continuous coarse particulate matter (CPM, PM _10?2.5 ) concentrations were measured hourly at three different sites in the Los Angeles area from April 2008 through May 2009 as part of a larger study of the characteristics and toxicology of CPM. Mean hourly concentrations calculated seasonally ranged from less than 5 μg m ^–3 to near 70 μg m ^–3 at the three sites depending upon the CPM source variability and prevailing meteorology. Different diurnal concentration profiles were observed at each site. Correlation analysis indicates that CPM concentrations can generally be explained by wind-induced road dust re-suspension, particularly in drier seasons. CPM concentrations between the sites were not appreciably correlated and metrics used to assess variability between the sites—the coefficients of divergence—indicated that CPM concentrations were heterogeneous. The relative CPM contribution to observed PM ₁₀ concentrations varied by season and between sites. Additional concurrent CPM data available within a few km of the three sites indicate that intra-community variability can be on the same order as that observed for inter-community variability, although a similar analysis using PM ₁₀ data yielded reduced heterogeneity. The results indicate that accurate exposure assessment to CPM in the Los Angeles area requires measurements of CPM concentrations at different sites with higher temporal resolution than a single daily mean value.     

The 2003/2004 Libby,Montana PM2.5 Source Apportionment Research Study

Except for areas in California, Libby, Montana is the only designated EPA nonattainment area for fine particulate matter (PM _2.5 ) in the mid and western states. During the winter of 2003/2004, PM _2.5 speciated data (mass, elements, ions, organic/elemental carbon) were collected every six days from November 11, 2003 through February 27, 2004. Using a Chemical Mass Balance computer model (Version 8.0), these data were used to apportion the sources of PM _2.5 in the Libby valley. In support of the source apportionment program, a comprehensive evaluation of the particulate matter associated organic compounds (including polar organics, phenolics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and ¹⁴ C) present in the airshed was also conducted.

CMB modeling results revealed that emissions from residential wood combustion was the major source of PM _2.5 throughout the winter months in Libby, contributing an average of 82% of the measured PM _2.5 . Levoglucosan, a well-known chemical marker for wood smoke, had the highest measured concentrations of any of the 95 polar organic compounds quantified from the fine fraction, accounting for over 15.5% of the measured organic carbon fraction. Other semi-volatile organic compounds with high measured concentrations during the program were four phenolic compounds commonly found in wood smoke, including phenol, 2-methylphenol ( o -cresol), 4-methylphenol ( p -cresol), and 2,4-dimethylphenol. Results from ¹⁴ C analysis indicate that as much as 82% of the measured ¹⁴ C results from a wood smoke source. These indicators support modeling results that residential wood combustion was the major source of PM _2.5 in Libby, Montana throughout the winter months.     

Evaluation of PM2.5 Size Selectors Used in Speciation Samplers

The separation characteristics of the PM_2.5 aerosol size selectors used in speciation samplers developed for the U.S. EPA National PM_2.5 Chemical Speciation Trends Network were evaluated under clean conditions. Measurement of particle penetration versus aerodynamic diameter was conducted using an APS 3320 in conjunction with a polydisperse test dust. The resulting penetration curves were integrated with assumed ambient particle size distributions (40 CFR Part 53, Subpart F) to obtain an estimate of measured mass concentration and to predict bias relative to the PM_2.5 reference separator. The cutpoint of two sharp cut cyclones, from the family of cyclones developed by Kenny and Gussman (1997), compares favorably with the WINS, although possessing a slight tail that extends into the coarse particle mode. A second cyclone used by the Andersen Corp., AN 3.68, demonstrated the sharpest cut characteristics of the devices tested; however, it possesses a     

Characteristics of PM2.5 Episodes Revealed by Semi-Continuous Measurements at the Baltimore Supersite at Ponca St

Highly time-resolved measurements of PM_2.5, its major constituents, particle size distributions (9 nm to 20 μ m), CO, NO/NO₂, and O₃, and meteorological parameters were made from February through November 2002, at the Baltimore Supersite at Ponca St. using commercial and prototype semi-continuous instruments. The average PM_2.5 mass concentration during the study period was 16.9 μ g/m³ and a total of 29 PM_2.5 pollution episodes, each in which 24-h averaged PM_2.5 mass concentrations exceeded 30.0 μ g/m³ for one or more days, were observed. Herein, 6 of the worst episodes are discussed. During these events, PM_2.5 excursions were often largely due to elevations in the concentration of one or two of the major species. In addition, numerous short-term excursions were observed and were generally attributable to local sources. Those in OC, EC, nitrate, CO, and NO_x levels were often observed in the morning traffic hours, particularly before breakdown of nocturnal inversions. Moreover, fresh accumulation aerosols from local stationary combustion sources were observed on several occasions, as evidenced by elevations in elemental markers when winds were aligned with sources resulting in PM_2.5 increments of ～ 17 μ g/m³. Overall, the results described herein show that concentrations of PM_2.5 and its major constituents vary enormously on time scales ranging from < 1 hr to several days, thus imposing a more highly complex pattern of pollutant exposure than can be captured by 24-hr integrated methods, alone. The data suggest that control of a limited number of local sources might achieve compliance with daily and annual PM_2.5 standards.     

Combining sensor-based measurement and modeling of PM2.5 and black carbon in assessing exposure to indoor aerosols

Accurate, cost-effective methods are needed for rapid assessment of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). Typically, real-time data of particulate matter (PM) from portable sensors have been adjusted using data from reference methods such as gravimetric measurement to improve accuracy. The objective of this study was to create a correction factor or linear regression model for the real-time measurements of the RTI’s Micro Personal Exposure Monitor (MicroPEM?) and AethLab’s microAeth^® black carbon (AE51) sensor to generate accurate real-time data for PM_2.5 (PM_2.5RT) and black carbon (BC_RT) in Cincinnati metropolitan homes. The two sensors and an SKC PM_2.5 Personal Modular impactor were collocated in 44 indoor sampling events for 2?days in residences near major roadways. The reference filter-based analyses conducted by a laboratory included particle mass (SKC PM_2.5 and MicroPEM? PM_2.5) and black carbon (SKC BC); these methods are more accurate than real-time sensors but are also more cumbersome and costly. For PM_2.5, the average correction factor, a ratio of gravimetric to real time, for the MicroPEM? PM_2.5 and SKC PM_2.5 utilizing the PM_2.5RT and was 0.94 and 0.83, respectively, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 84% and 52%, respectively; the corresponding linear regression model had a CV of 54% and 25%. For BC, the average correction factor utilizing the BC_RT and SKC BC was 0.74 with a CV of 36% with the associated linear regression model producing a CV of 56%. The results from this study will help ensure that the real-time exposure monitors are capable of detecting an estimated PM_2.5 after an appropriate statistical model is applied.

Copyright © 2019 American Association for Aerosol Research     

Analysis of Aerosolized Particulates of Feedyards Located in the Southern High Plains of Texas

The objective of this study was to quantify, size, and examine the composition of particulates found in ambient aerosolized dust of four large feedyards in the Southern High Plains. Ambient air samples (concentration of dust) were collected upwind (background) and downwind of the feedyards. Aerosolized particulate samples were collected using high volume sequential reference ambient air samplers, PM ₁₀ and PM _2.5 , laser strategic aerosol monitors, cyclone air samplers, and biological cascade impactors. Weather parameters were monitored at each feedyard. The overall (main effects and estimable interactions) statistical (P < 0.0001) general linear model statement (GLM) for PM ₁₀ data showed more concentration of dust (μg/m ³ of air) downwind than upwind and more concentration of dust in the summer than in the winter. PM _2.5 concentrations of dust were comparable for 3 of 4 feedyards upwind and downwind, and PM _2.5 concentrations of dust were lower in the winter than in the summer. GLM (P < 0.0001) data for cascade impactor (all aerobic bacteria, Enterococcus spp, and fungi) mean respirable and non-respirable colony forming units (CFU) were 676 ± 74 CFU/m ³ , and 880 ± 119 CFU/m ³ , respectively. The PM ₁₀ geometric mean size (±GSD) of particles were analyzed in aerosols of the feedyards (range 1.782 ± 1.7 μm to 2.02 ± 1.74μm) and PM _2.5 geometric mean size particles were determined (range 0.66 ± 1.76 μm to 0.71 ± 1.71 μm). Three of 4 feedyards were non-compliant for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concentration standard (150 μg/m ³ /24 h) for PM ₁₀ particles. This may be significant because excess dust may have a negative impact on respiratory disease.     

An Intercomparison of Measurement Methods for Carbonaceous Aerosol in the Ambient Air in New York City

Measurement methods for fine carbonaceous aerosol were compared under field sampling conditions in Flushing, New York during the period of January and early February 2004. In-situ 5- to 60-minute average PM _2.5 organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and black carbon (BC) concentrations were obtained by the following methods: Sunset Laboratory field OC/EC analyzer, Rupprecht and Patashnick (R&P) series 5400 ambient carbon particulate monitor, Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) for total organic matter (OM), and a two-wavelength AE-20 Aethalometer. Twenty-four hour averaged PM _2.5 filter measurements for OC and EC were also made with a Speciation Trends Network (STN) sampler. The diurnal variations in OC/EC/BC concentrations peaked during the morning and afternoon rush hours indicating the dominant influence of vehicle emissions. BC/EC slopes are found to range between 0.86 and 1.23 with reasonably high correlations (r > 0.75). Low mixing heights and absence of significant transported carbonaceous aerosol are indicated by the measurements. Strong correlations are observed between BC and thermal EC as measured by the Sunset instrument and between Sunset BC and Aethalometer BC. Reasonable correlations are observed among collocated OC/EC measurements by the various instruments.     

Apportionment of Ambient Primary and Secondary PM2.5 During a 2001 Summer Intensive Study at the NETL Pittsburgh Site Using PMF2 and EPA UNMIX

Apportionment of primary and secondary pollutants during a July 2001 intensive study at the National Energy Technology Laboratory is reported. PM_2.5 was apportioned into primary and secondary contributions using PMF2, and results were compared with apportionment based on UNMIX 2.3. Input to PMF2 included PM_2.5 mass data from four per 24 hour PC-BOSS filters and TEOM, NO_x, NO₂, O₃, non-volatile, semi-volatile, and volatile organic material, elemental carbon, sulfate, and PIXE determined trace metals. Nine factors were identified in the PMF analysis. Six factors were associated with primary particles from crustal, mobile (gasoline and diesel), and three local sources high in trace metals. Three factors were associated with secondary sources. Two were associated with local emissions dominated by organic material, one was dominated by transported ammonium sulfate. UNMIX was able to identify the two major mobile sources, major local secondary source and transported secondary source. The three major sources of PM_2.5 were identified as secondary transported material (dominated by ammonium sulfate) from west and southwest (46%), secondary material formed during mid-day photochemical processes (21%), and primary emissions from diesel (10%) and gasoline (8%) mobile sources. The other five sources accounted for the remaining 15% of the PM_2.5. These findings are consistent with the majority of secondary ammonium sulfate in the Pittsburgh area resulting from distant transport, and so decoupled from local activity involving organic pollutants in the metropolitan area. In contrast, the major local secondary sources were dominated by organic material.     

Using Statistical Regressions to Identify Factors Influencing PM2.5 Concentrations: The Pittsburgh Supersite as a Case Study

Using data from the Pittsburgh Air Quality Study, we find that temperature, relative humidity, their squared terms, and their interactions explain much of the variation in airborne concentrations of PM _2.5 in the city. Factors that do not appreciably influence the concentrations over a full year include wind direction, inverse mixing height, UV radiation, SO ₂ , O ₃ , and season of the year. Comparison with similar studies of PM _2.5 in other cities suggests that the relative importance of different factors can vary greatly. Temperature and relative humidity are important factors in both Pittsburgh and New York City, and synoptic scale meteorology influencing these two sites can explain much of the pattern in PM _2.5 concentrations which peak in the summer. However, PM _2.5 levels in other cities have different seasonal patterns and are affected by a number of other factors, and thus the results presented here cannot be generalized to other locations without additional study.     

Reconstructing Primary and Secondary Components of PM2.5 Composition for an Urban Atmosphere

Total 360 samples (of 8 h each) of PM_2.5 were collected from six sampling sites for summer and winter seasons in Kanpur city, India. The collected PM_2.5 mass was subjected to chemical speciation for: (1) ionic species (NH⁺ ₄, SO^2– ₄, NO^– ₃, and Cl^–), (2) carbon contents (EC and OC), and (3) elemental contents (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Al, Si, Fe, Ti, Mn, V, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, As, and Se). Primary and secondary components of PM_2.5 were assessed from speciation results. The influence of marine source to PM_2.5 was negligible, whereas the contribution of crustal dust was significant (10% in summer and 7% in winter). A mass reconstruction approach for PM_2.5 could distinctly establish primary and secondary components of measured PM_2.5 as: (1) Primary component (27% in summer and 24% in winter): crustal, elemental carbon, and organic mass, (2) Secondary component (45% in summer and 50% in winter): inorganic and organic mass, and (3) others: unidentified mass (27% in summer and 26% in winter). The secondary inorganic component was about 34% in summer (NH⁺ ₄: 9%; SO^2– ₄: 16%; NO^– ₃: 9%) and 32% in winter (NH⁺ ₄: 8%; SO²⁺ ₄: 13%; NO^– ₃: 11%). The secondary organic component was 12% in summer and 18% in winter. In conclusion, secondary aerosol formation (inorganic and organic) accounted for significant mass of PM _2.5 (about 50%) and any particulate control strategy should also include control of primary precursor gases.     

PAHs and Mutagenicity of Inhalable and Respirable Diesel Particulate Matter in Santiago,Chile

Delayed human effects such as cancer could be a consequence of chronic exposure, over long periods of time, to inhalable (PM₁₀) and respirable (PM_2.5) particles containing environmental carcinogen mixtures. Air pollution in Santiago, Chile, is a major public health problem due to the high levels of regulated pollutants such as PM₁₀, CO, and ozone. In this work, we studied the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) onto PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 collected in diesel revision plants, in an urban area with a high flow of buses and trucks and in a rural area not exposed to diesel emissions. The PM₁₀ average levels in diesel emission plants were higher than the Chilean PM₁₀ standard and higher than those found in the urban and rural areas. In the urban area the PM₁₀ average levels were lower than the Chilean PM₁₀ standard, although some 24 h levels surpassed the levels established to decree preemergency or emergency and in some cases were higher than the levels reported by all the official monitoring stations. The levels of total PAHs onto PM₁₀ were higher in the diesel plants than in the urban area and rural area, but the levels of six carcinogenic PAHs were similar in the diesel plants to those found in the urban area. Organic extracts from PM₁₀ collected in diesel plants in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 in the presence and in the absence of an S9 activation system were significantly higher than in the urban area and rural area. Mutagenic activity with and without S9 in diesel plants and the urban area showed that indirect (PAHs) and direct (nitro-PAHs) mutagenic compounds are present in organic extracts from PM₁₀. In conclusion, these results showed that in Santiago diesel emission particles were highly mutagenic and contain carcinogenic PAHs. This might represent a risk for long-term respiratory effects in Santiago's inhabitants.     

Size-Resolved Concentrations of Particulate Matter and Bioaerosols Inside versus Outside of Homes

Size-resolved airborne particulate matter samples (PM _2.5 , PM ₁₀ , and TSP) collected inside ten northern California homes over four days and one night (9–12 h/sample, spanning a 3.5 week period) were analyzed for protein, endotoxin, and (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan concentrations. Some simultaneous size-resolved outdoor samples were also collected. The associations of residential characteristics and occupant behavior with the indoor airborne levels were investigated. In addition, the relation between these chemical biomarkers and the more traditional culturing approaches was studied. Most of the indoor mass concentration of airborne particles and protein was in the fine fraction (PM _2.5 ), while the mass of airborne endotoxin and (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan was mainly in the coarser fractions (PM _10–2.5 and PM _TSP–10 ). No strong correlations were seen between short-term (3–6 min) culturable bacteria and fungi counts and the corresponding longer-term (9–12 h) biomarker levels. Daytime indoor levels of the biomarkers tended to be higher than outdoors, especially for the PM _10–2.5 fraction, but only in a few cases were the indoor/outdoor relationships statistically significant. Indoor pets were associated with elevated airborne PM and bioaerosols inside homes. Two other factors, wall-to-wall carpet and older houses, also appear to be associated with some elevations in indoor levels.