Temporal trend on concentration, size and morphology of atmospheric suspended particles lower than 10 μm at Chihuahua City, Mexico.
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Abstract
In the city of Chihuahua, México, there are a reason of concern with regard to air quality, mainly for particulate matter for which levels exceed the Standard of Health established limits. However, there are few studies focused to particles pollution in the region. The objective of this study was to analyze the temporary behavior of the suspended particulate matter PM10, observing the possible differences in its concentration, size distribution and morphology through the year. Particulate Matter PM10 concentrations were monitoring for a year in seven sites. The sampling was developed at all sites every 6 days according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). USEPA IO.2.1 Method was the standard procedures for sampling and mass determination. SABAMEX site (located to the east of the city) showed the highest concentrations of PM10 (65.60 μg/m3), whereas GRANJAS UNIVERSITARIAS (at the southwest area of Chihuahua) the lowest ones (22.0 μg/m3). Comparisons of averages were done among autumn-winter (OI) and spring-summer (PV) observations, as well as working days (DL) and not working days (NL). No statistical differences of the PM10 concentrations were observed (confidence level of 95 %) between categories. Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) was used for distribution size and morphology analysis of particles. In days of summer was observed the presence of bigger aerodynamic diameters (3-4 μm), whereas the particles diameter was smaller (2.7-3 μm) in winter season. By means of individual particles analysis, was observed a defined elementary compositions. With regard to morphology of the particles and its elementary composition, were not observed differences between the summer and winter seasons. In conclusion, with exception of the particle size, which tend to be bigger during summer season, do not exist differences in the temporary behavior of PM10 in the urban atmosphere of Chihuahua City.
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