Particulate Air Pollution in Mexico City: A Collaborative Research Project
S A Edgerton1, X Bian1, J C Doran1
1a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory , Richland , Washington , USA.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|January 7, 2017
Summary
Mexico City
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Air Quality Monitoring
Background:
- Mexico City faces significant air pollution challenges.
- Particulate matter (PM) is a major component of urban air pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentrations and chemical compositions of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in Mexico City.
- To analyze the influence of meteorological conditions on PM levels.
Main Methods:
- Conducted measurements of PM10, PM2.5, precursor gases, and upper-air meteorology from February 23 to March 22, 1997.
- Analyzed PM composition, identifying fugitive dust, organic carbon, and black carbon as key contributors.
Main Results:
- Average 24-hr PM10 concentrations were 75 μg/m³, exceeding the 150 μg/m³ standard on seven occasions.
- Fugitive dust comprised nearly half of PM10, while PM2.5 constituted about 50% of PM10.
- PM concentrations peaked in the early morning and after sunset, correlating with shallow mixed layers.
Conclusions:
- Mexico City's particulate matter pollution is substantial, with significant contributions from fugitive dust and carbonaceous aerosols.
- Meteorological factors, particularly shallow mixed layers, influence daily PM concentration peaks.
- Afternoon wind patterns facilitate the export of air pollutants from the basin.
