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Composition and Distribution Analysis of Bioaerosols Under Different Environmental Conditions
Published on: January 7, 2019
Airborne particulate matter and BTEX in office environments
Benjamin Horemans1, Anna Worobiec, Anna Buczynska
1Environmental Analysis Group, Micro and Trace Analysis Centre (MiTAC), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium. benjamin.horemans@ua.ac.be
Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM
|August 9, 2008
Summary
Indoor air quality in Antwerp offices shows elevated levels of total suspended particulate (TSP) and BTEX, with significant contributions from indoor sources, especially in newer buildings. Ventilation and occupancy influence particulate matter concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Air Quality Monitoring
Background:
- Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical component of occupational health.
- Particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common indoor air pollutants.
- Understanding sources and levels of indoor pollutants is essential for mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess indoor and outdoor concentrations of total suspended particulate (TSP), PM(2.5), and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) in Antwerp offices.
- To investigate the elemental composition and water-soluble fraction of indoor TSP.
- To identify factors influencing indoor PM levels and BTEX sources.
Main Methods:
- Collection of indoor and outdoor aerosol samples (TSP, PM(2.5)) and BTEX in nine offices.
- Gravimetric analysis for weight, elemental analysis, and determination of water-soluble ionic fraction.
- Comparison of indoor and outdoor pollutant levels and source apportionment for BTEX.
Main Results:
- Indoor TSP and PM(2.5) averaged 18 and 11 µg m⁻³, respectively, with significant elemental composition (Al, Si, K, Ca, Fe, Cl, S).
- Water-soluble ionic fraction comprised nearly 30% of indoor TSP, indicating anthropogenic enrichment.
- Indoor BTEX levels (5–47 µg m⁻³) were higher than outdoor levels; newer buildings showed elevated toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, suggesting indoor sources.
Conclusions:
- Indoor PM levels in offices vary based on ventilation, location, and occupancy.
- Anthropogenic activities significantly contribute to the water-soluble fraction of indoor TSP.
- BTEX pollution in offices is influenced by building age, with newer buildings exhibiting higher levels likely from indoor sources, while older offices are more affected by outdoor air.
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