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A combined analysis to identify airborne PM10 sources
Dario R Gómez1, Silvia L Reich, Laura E Dawidowski
1Unidad de Actividad Química, Centro Atómico Constituyentes, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Avda, General Paz 1499, B1650-KNA San Martín, Argentina.
Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM
|December 23, 2004
Summary
A combined air dispersion and receptor model identified sources of particulate matter (PM10) in San Nicolas, Argentina. The thermal power plant was the dominant source, contributing up to 70% of PM10 under specific wind conditions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Air Quality Management
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM10) poses significant air quality challenges.
- Identifying emission sources is crucial for effective air pollution control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify the contributions of key sources to PM10 concentrations in San Nicolas, Argentina.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined air dispersion and receptor modeling approach.
Main Methods:
- A two-step procedure combining an air dispersion model and a receptor model.
- Air dispersion modeling for the thermal power plant using hourly fuel consumption and emission factors.
- Receptor modeling utilizing Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) for elemental analysis.
- Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to correlate PM10 samples with potential sources.
Main Results:
- The thermal power plant was identified as a major contributor, responsible for up to 70% of PM10 at three of four monitoring sites under favorable wind conditions.
- Contributions from other sources including an integrated steel mill, motor vehicle exhaust, and road dust were assessed using receptor models.
- PCA effectively differentiated significant contributing sources from non-significant ones.
Conclusions:
- The integrated modeling approach successfully attributed PM10 concentrations to specific sources.
- The thermal power plant is a critical source requiring targeted emission reduction strategies in San Nicolas.
- This methodology provides a robust framework for source apportionment studies in urban environments.