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Elemental Characterization of Ambient Particulate Matter for a Globally Distributed Monitoring Network: Methodology
Xuan Liu1, Jay R Turner1, Christopher R Oxford1
1Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States.
ACS ES&T Air
|April 18, 2024
Summary
Global particulate matter (PM) analysis reveals high dust and trace element levels in Dhaka, Bangladesh, alongside significant carcinogenic risks from airborne arsenic in several Asian cities. This highlights critical urban air quality concerns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Global ground-level measurements of ambient particulate matter (PM) are crucial for understanding dust and trace element distribution.
- Assessing health impacts and identifying emission sources requires comprehensive elemental composition data of PM.
- The Surface PARTiculate mAtter Network (SPARTAN) collects globally distributed PM samples for analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the elemental composition of PM samples from 27 globally distributed SPARTAN sites.
- To determine concentrations of dust and trace element oxides (TEO) from the elemental dataset.
- To assess potential health risks, such as carcinogenic risk from airborne arsenic.
Main Methods:
- X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was employed to analyze the elemental composition of PM samples.
- Samples were collected using consistent protocols across 27 globally distributed sites from 2019-2023.
- Rigorous quality assurance measures, including reference materials and quality control, were implemented.
Main Results:
- Moderately high mean dust (6 μg/m³) and trace element oxide (TEO) levels (6 μg/m³) were observed in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- High carcinogenic risk from airborne arsenic was identified in Dhaka (Bangladesh), Kanpur (India), and Hanoi (Vietnam).
- Elevated trace element concentrations in Dhaka are likely linked to informal lead-acid battery and e-waste recycling, and coal-fired brick kilns.
Conclusions:
- Global PM analysis using SPARTAN data provides critical insights into regional air quality.
- Specific urban areas like Dhaka exhibit significant pollution burdens requiring targeted interventions.
- Airborne arsenic poses a substantial carcinogenic risk in several densely populated Asian urban centers.
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