Analysis of Aerosol Particles and Coarse Particulate Matter Concentrations in Chilian, Chile, 2001-2003

摘要

Daily particle samples were collected in Chilian, Chile, at six urban locations from September 1, 2001, through September 30, 2003. Aerosol samples were collected using monitors equipped with a Sierra Andersen 246-b cyclone inlet on Teflon niters. Average concentrations of coarse particulate matter (PM_(10)) for the 2001-2003 period ranged from 43.4 μg/m~3 to 81.8 μg/m~3 across the six sites. Annual PM_(10) concentration levels exceeded the European Union concentration limits. Mean PM_(10) levels during the cold season (April through September) were more than twice as high as those observed in the warm season (October through March). Average contributions to PM_(10) from organic matter, soil dust, nitrate (NO_3~-), elemental carbon, ammonium (NH_4~+), and sul-fate (SO_4~(2-)) were 31%, 27%, 11%, 8%, 7%, and 5%, respectively. The chemical analyses indicated that carbonaceous substances were the most abundant components of PM_(10) in cold months, whereas crustal material was the most abundant component of PM_(10) during warm months. Higher concentration levels were observed in the downtown area suggesting a clear anthropogenic origin, whereas in the rural sites the source was mainly natural, such as resuspended soil dust associated with traffic on un-paved roads and agricultural activities.