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Characterizing Airborne Particulate Matter During Late-Season Soybean Production Using SEM/EDX Automated Single
Matthew T Moore1, Lucas J Heintzman2, Juanita Rausch3
1USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Sedimentation Laboratory, 598 McElroy Drive, Oxford, MS, 38655, USA. Matt.Moore@ARS.USDA.GOV.
Summary
Agricultural activities contribute to airborne particulate matter (PM). This study analyzed PM during soybean harvest, finding significant mineral and biogenic/organic particles, highlighting the need for agricultural PM impact assessments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
Background:
- Airborne particulate matter (PM) can originate from agricultural activities, especially during dry conditions.
- Understanding PM sources is crucial for assessing environmental and health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sources and composition of airborne particulate matter (PM) associated with agricultural field activities.
- To quantify PM types during different phases of soybean cultivation and post-harvest operations.
Main Methods:
- Deployment of passive samplers in agricultural fields over two-week intervals.
- Analysis of collected PM using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and machine learning.
- Characterization of particle types and concentrations in PM10-2.5 and PM80-10 size fractions.
Main Results:
- Pre-harvest PM10-2.5 consisted of 56 wt.% biogenic/organic and 41 wt.% mineral particles.
- During and after harvest, PM10-2.5 shifted to 36 wt.% biogenic/organic and 61 wt.% mineral particles.
- Elevated concentrations of phosphorus, both biogenic and mineral, were detected throughout the sampling periods.
Conclusions:
- Intensive agricultural activities, including harvest and post-harvest operations, significantly influence airborne particulate matter composition.
- The study underscores the importance of including airborne PM monitoring in agricultural impact assessments.
- Phosphorus-rich particles from agricultural sources warrant further investigation regarding their environmental fate and transport.
