Characterization and source apportionment of single particles from metalworking activities

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Industrial Ecology

Background:

• Industrial metalworking facilities are significant sources of hazardous air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals.
• Understanding the chemical composition of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) near these facilities is crucial for assessing public health risks and environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the chemical composition of PM2.5 emitted by industrial metalworking facilities.
• To identify and apportion particulate matter sources impacting air quality in the vicinity of these facilities.
• To establish single particle signatures for future source apportionment studies.

Main Methods:

• A 1-month field campaign was conducted at an industrial site using an aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS).
• ATOFMS provided high-resolution, size-resolved chemical mixing state measurements of ambient single particles.
• Particle data was compared with raw materials and chimney filter samples from local facilities for source attribution.

Main Results:

• Periods influenced by metalworking showed increased levels of toxic metals (manganese, iron, lead) and PAHs in PM2.5.
• Specific particle classes were successfully associated with a ferromanganese alloy plant and a steelworks.
• Local metalworking activities contributed 1-65% (average 17%) to the measured PM2.5.

Conclusions:

• Metalworking facilities significantly impact downwind air quality through the emission of toxic particulate matter.
• Distinct single particle chemical signatures were identified, valuable for future source apportionment.
• The study highlights the need for targeted emission control strategies for industrial metalworking operations.