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4 pages, 177 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments

by Aikaterini Bougiatioti and Evangelia Kostenidou

Atmosphere 2021, 12(4), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12040429 - 26 Mar 2021

Viewed by 1232

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere has diverse natural and anthropogenic sources, and is a complex, heterogeneous mixture [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)

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14 pages, 2416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbonaceous Aerosol Emitted from Biofuel Household Stove Combustion in South China

by Xuefang Sang-Arlt, Haoxiang Fu, Yinan Zhang, Xiang Ding, Xinming Wang, Yanan Zhou, Lilin Zou, Georg F. Zellmer and Guenter Engling

Atmosphere 2020, 11(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11010112 - 17 Jan 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3039

Abstract

Near-source measurements of smoke emissions from household stove combustion in a rural area of South China were conducted with 7 typical biomass fuels. Particulate matter samples (both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) were analyzed for their carbonaceous components, including organic and elemental [...] Read more.

Near-source measurements of smoke emissions from household stove combustion in a rural area of South China were conducted with 7 typical biomass fuels. Particulate matter samples (both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) were analyzed for their carbonaceous components, including organic and elemental carbon (OC, EC) as well as levoglucosan (molecular tracer of biomass burning), employing thermal-optical and GC-MS analysis. The OC and EC content in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ smoke particles derived from the various types of vegetation showed different patterns with the smallest values observed for straw type fuels. The OC/EC ratios in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ showed an order of straw > hardwood > bamboo > softwood. Mass concentrations of particulate matter emitted from rice straw burning were highest with 12.23 ± 0.87 mg/m³ (PM₁₀) and 9.31 ± 0.81 mg/m³ (PM_2.5), while the mass ratios (LG/PM and OC/PM) were lowest among the 7 fuels, indicating that particle emissions from straw burning were higher than those from woody fuels, using similar burning conditions. The levoglucosan emission ratios were rather high and this single most abundant organic species was mainly present in the fine particle mode. Linear correlation analysis showed a strong relationship between levoglucosan and EC emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)

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12 pages, 1894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Activation of sub 2 nm Water Soluble and Insoluble Standard Ions with Saturated Vapors of Butanol in a Boosted TSI ultrafine CPC

by Michel Attoui and Juha Kangasluoma

Atmosphere 2019, 10(11), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10110665 - 30 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2557

Abstract

Tetraheptylammonium bromide (THABr), tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) and tetraethylammonium bromide (TEABr) dissolved in methanol or water methanol mixtures (~1 mM) produce via positive electrospray atomization and high resolution classification electrical classification standard clean ions (monomer and dier) which are singly charged. THABr is hydrophobic [...] Read more.

Tetraheptylammonium bromide (THABr), tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) and tetraethylammonium bromide (TEABr) dissolved in methanol or water methanol mixtures (~1 mM) produce via positive electrospray atomization and high resolution classification electrical classification standard clean ions (monomer and dier) which are singly charged. THABr is hydrophobic and insoluble in water, TBABr and TEABr are hygroscopic and water soluble (0.6 and 2.8 kg/L respectively). These ions are used to study the effect of hygroscopicity on the activation of aerosol particles in the sub 2 nm range via the detection efficiency measurement of a boosted ultrafine TSI condensation particle counter (3025A). Water solubility of particles seems to play a role in the activation and growth with butanol vapor in the CPC (condensation particle counter) independently of the size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)

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18 pages, 4135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Levels, Sources and Health Risk of PM_2.5 and PM₁-Bound PAHs across the Greater Athens Area: The Role of the Type of Environment and the Meteorology

by Styliani Pateraki, Kyriaki-Maria Fameli, Vasiliki Assimakopoulos, Aikaterini Bougiatioti, Thomas Maggos and Nikolaos Mihalopoulos

Atmosphere 2019, 10(10), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10100622 - 15 Oct 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2543

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM) has significant impacts on public health. Among its various chemical components, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of particular importance since they contribute to a large extent or even enhance its toxic potency. Despite the verified importance of the fine [...] Read more.

Fine particulate matter (PM) has significant impacts on public health. Among its various chemical components, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of particular importance since they contribute to a large extent or even enhance its toxic potency. Despite the verified importance of the fine PM pollution for the Greater Athens Area (GAA), information on its composition with respect to the hydrocarbons is extremely scarce. This study aims to uncover the occurrence of the PM_2.5 and PM₁-bound PAHs across the GAA investigating the impact of the sources and meteorology on the configuration of their profile and potential health risk. The fieldwork took place at three different locations during two different mesoscale wind regimes. Using the Diagnostic PAHs’ Ratio method, the sources were identified while for the quantification of the emissions from the traffic and central heating sectors, the FEI-GREGAA emission inventory was taken into consideration. The potential health risk was estimated calculating the toxic/mutagenic equivalency factors. The peaks for both the PM mass and the PAHs were attributed to the intensity of the emissions. On the other hand, the carcinogenic/mutagenic risk was mainly influenced by the varying characteristics of traffic and especially for the background atmosphere, from the arriving air masses from longer scale distances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)

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15 pages, 2484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aerosol Particle and Black Carbon Emission Factors of Vehicular Fleet in Manila, Philippines

by Leizel Madueño, Simonas Kecorius, Wolfram Birmili, Thomas Müller, James Simpas, Edgar Vallar, Maria Cecilia Galvez, Mylene Cayetano and Alfred Wiedensohler

Atmosphere 2019, 10(10), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10100603 - 04 Oct 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7790

Abstract

Poor air quality has been identified as one of the main risks to human health, especially in developing regions, where the information on physical chemical properties of air pollutants is lacking. To bridge this gap, we conducted an intensive measurement campaign in Manila, [...] Read more.

Poor air quality has been identified as one of the main risks to human health, especially in developing regions, where the information on physical chemical properties of air pollutants is lacking. To bridge this gap, we conducted an intensive measurement campaign in Manila, Philippines to determine the emission factors (EFs) of particle number (PN) and equivalent black carbon (BC). The focus was on public utility jeepneys (PUJ), equipped with old technology diesel engines, widely used for public transportation. The EFs were determined by aerosol physical measurements, fleet information, and modeled dilution using the Operational Street Pollution Model (OSPM). The results show that average vehicle EFs of PN and BC in Manila is up to two orders of magnitude higher than European emission standards. Furthermore, a PUJ emits up to seven times more than a light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and contribute to more than 60% of BC emission in Manila. Unfortunately, traffic restrictions for heavy-duty vehicles do not apply to PUJs. The results presented in this work provide a framework to help support targeted traffic interventions to improve urban air quality not only in Manila, but also in other countries with a similar fleet composed of old-technology vehicles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)

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15 pages, 7961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Low-Cost Ambient Particulate Sensors in Nablus, Palestine with Application to the Assessment of Regional Dust Storms

by Abdelhaleem Khader and Randal S. Martin

Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090539 - 11 Sep 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3804

Abstract

Few air pollutant studies within the Palestinian territories have been reported in the literature. In March–April and May–June of 2018, three low-cost, locally calibrated particulate monitors (AirU’s) were deployed at different elevations and source areas throughout the city of Nablus in Northern West [...] Read more.

Few air pollutant studies within the Palestinian territories have been reported in the literature. In March–April and May–June of 2018, three low-cost, locally calibrated particulate monitors (AirU’s) were deployed at different elevations and source areas throughout the city of Nablus in Northern West Bank, Palestine. During each of the three-week periods, high but site-to-site similar particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM_2.5) and less than 10 µm (PM₁₀) concentrations were observed. The PM_2.5 concentrations at the three sampling locations and during both sampling periods averaged 38.2 ± 3.6 µg/m³, well above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 24 h guidelines. Likewise, the PM₁₀ concentrations exceeded or were just below the WHO’s 24 h guidelines, averaging 48.5 ± 4.3 µg/m³. During both periods, short episodes were identified in which the particulate levels at all three sites increased substantially (≈2×) above the regional baseline. Air mass back trajectory analyses using U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model suggested that, during these peak episodes, the arriving air masses spent recent days over desert areas (e.g., the Saharan Desert in North Africa). On days with regionally low PM_2.5 concentrations (≈20 µg/m³), back trajectory analysis showed that air masses were directed in from the Mediterranean Sea area. Further, the lower elevation (downtown) site often recorded markedly higher particulate levels than the valley wall sites. This would suggest locally derived particulate sources are significant and may be beneficial in the identification of potential remediation options. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)

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11 pages, 1907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

No Particle Mass Enhancement from Induced Atmospheric Ageing at a Rural Site in Northern Europe

by Erik Ahlberg, Stina Ausmeel, Axel Eriksson, Thomas Holst, Tomas Karlsson, William H. Brune, Göran Frank, Pontus Roldin, Adam Kristensson and Birgitta Svenningsson

Atmosphere 2019, 10(7), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10070408 - 17 Jul 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3349

Abstract

A large portion of atmospheric aerosol particles consists of secondary material produced by oxidation reactions. The relative importance of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) can increase with improved emission regulations. A relatively simple way to study potential particle formation in the atmosphere is by [...] Read more.

A large portion of atmospheric aerosol particles consists of secondary material produced by oxidation reactions. The relative importance of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) can increase with improved emission regulations. A relatively simple way to study potential particle formation in the atmosphere is by using oxidation flow reactors (OFRs) which simulate atmospheric ageing. Here we report on the first ambient OFR ageing experiment in Europe, coupled with scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) and proton transfer reaction (PTR)-MS measurements. We found that the simulated ageing did not produce any measurable increases in particle mass or number concentrations during the two months of the campaign due to low concentrations of precursors. Losses in the reactor increased with hydroxyl radical (OH) exposure and with increasing difference between ambient and reactor temperatures, indicating fragmentation and evaporation of semivolatile material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)

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19 pages, 5729 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

PM_2.5 Prediction Based on Random Forest, XGBoost, and Deep Learning Using Multisource Remote Sensing Data

by Mehdi Zamani Joharestani, Chunxiang Cao, Xiliang Ni, Barjeece Bashir and Somayeh Talebiesfandarani

Atmosphere 2019, 10(7), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10070373 - 04 Jul 2019

Cited by 292 | Viewed by 17292

Abstract

In recent years, air pollution has become an important public health concern. The high concentration of fine particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM_2.5) is known to be associated with lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and metabolic disease. [...] Read more.

In recent years, air pollution has become an important public health concern. The high concentration of fine particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM_2.5) is known to be associated with lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and metabolic disease. Predicting PM_2.5 concentrations can help governments warn people at high risk, thus mitigating the complications. Although attempts have been made to predict PM_2.5 concentrations, the factors influencing PM_2.5 prediction have not been investigated. In this work, we study feature importance for PM_2.5 prediction in Tehran’s urban area, implementing random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and deep learning machine learning (ML) approaches. We use 23 features, including satellite and meteorological data, ground-measured PM_2.5, and geographical data, in the modeling. The best model performance obtained was R² = 0.81 (R = 0.9), MAE = 9.93 µg/m³, and RMSE = 13.58 µg/m³ using the XGBoost approach, incorporating elimination of unimportant features. However, all three ML methods performed similarly and R² varied from 0.63 to 0.67, when Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) at 3 km resolution was included, and 0.77 to 0.81, when AOD at 3 km resolution was excluded. Contrary to the PM_2.5 lag data, satellite-derived AODs did not improve model performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)

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23 pages, 2613 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Black Carbon and Particulate Matter Concentrations in Eastern Mediterranean Urban Conditions: An Assessment Based on Integrated Stationary and Mobile Observations

by Tareq Hussein, Shatha Suleiman Ali Saleh, Vanessa N. dos Santos, Huthaifah Abdullah and Brandon E. Boor

Atmosphere 2019, 10(6), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10060323 - 13 Jun 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5037

Abstract

There is a paucity of comprehensive air quality data from urban areas in the Middle East. In this study, portable instrumentation was used to measure size-fractioned aerosol number, mass, and black carbon concentrations in Amman and Zarqa, Jordan. Submicron particle number concentrations at [...] Read more.

There is a paucity of comprehensive air quality data from urban areas in the Middle East. In this study, portable instrumentation was used to measure size-fractioned aerosol number, mass, and black carbon concentrations in Amman and Zarqa, Jordan. Submicron particle number concentrations at stationary urban background sites in Amman and Zarqa exhibited a characteristic diurnal pattern, with the highest concentrations during traffic rush hours (2–5 × 10⁴ cm⁻³ in Amman and 2–7 × 10⁴ cm⁻³ in Zarqa). Super-micron particle number concentrations varied considerably in Amman (1–10 cm⁻³). Mobile measurements identified spatial variations and local hotspots in aerosol levels within both cities. Walking paths around the University of Jordan campus showed increasing concentrations with proximity to main roads with mean values of 8 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, 87 µg/m³, 62 µg/m³, and 7.7 µg/m³ for submicron, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and black carbon (BC), respectively. Walking paths in the Amman city center showed moderately high concentrations (mean 10⁵ cm⁻³, 120 µg/m³, 85 µg/m³, and 8.1 µg/m³ for submicron aerosols, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and black carbon, respectively). Similar levels were found along walking paths in the Zarqa city center. On-road measurements showed high submicron concentrations (>10⁵ cm⁻³). The lowest submicron concentration (<10⁴ cm⁻³) was observed near a remote site outside of the cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)

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