ASSESSMENT OF THE MAIN SOURCES OF PM10 IN AN INDUSTRIALIZED AREA SITUATED IN A MEDITERRANEAN BASIN

摘要

This paper presents a study of the influence of different emission sources on the levels of PM10 in an industrialized area (Almazora, Spain). Paniculate matter can enter the atmosphere from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Once in the atmosphere, air pollutants may be widely dispersed and transported by winds. In the study area, the most important winds are land or sea breezes. PM10 concentrations were obtained from January to August 2009. The profiles of PM10 concentrations show that higher levels of this pollutant are detected when there is a dominant land breeze. This is associated with an additional contribution of particles from industrial areas. However, when there is not a land breeze, concentrations between 15 and 35 μg/m~3 are obtained, due to the existence of other anthropogenic emission sources, the most important of which is traffic. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize PM10 with the aim of identifying the main emission sources. The particles identified in PM10 samples have been grouped into three main types: mineral phases, compounds from combustion and spherical particles emitted in high-temperature processes. The morphological analysis of PM10 samples shows that when there is a land breeze, the particles found are mainly a mixture of mineral and other ones from combustion processes. However, when there is a sea breeze, most particles come from combustion processes. This fact confirms the strong influence of mineral raw material processing industries when levels of PM10 increase.