Title: Metallic elements in particulates released during incense-burning at Tzu Yun Yen temple, Taichung, Taiwan

Authors: Guor-Cheng Fang, Chia-Chium Chu, Yuh-Shen Wu, Peter Pi-Cheng Fu

Addresses: Air Toxic and Environmental Analysis Laboratory, Hungkuang University, Sha-Lu, Taichung 433, Taiwan. ' Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Chien Yu Regional Teaching Hospital, Lin Yuang, Kaohsiung 832, Taiwan. ' Air Toxic and Environmental Analysis Laboratory, Hungkuang University, Sha-Lu, Taichung 433, Taiwan. ' Division of Biochemical Toxicology National Center for Toxicological Research Jefferson, AR 72079, USA

Abstract: Concentrations of ambient suspended particulates were measured at Tzu Yun Yen temple (120°, 34´ 10”E; 24°, 16´, 12”N), using a Universal sampler and dry deposition plates. The temple is a characteristic incense-burning and semi-open sampling site. PM_2.5 concentrations for Period 1 (average 901µg/m³) were higher than those for Period 2 (average 701µg/m³). Results for average PM_2.5-10concentrations showed equal distributions in Period 1 and Period 2. Average ratios of PM_2.5/ PM₁₀ were higher in Period 1 (74%) than Period 2 (71%). In addition, the suspended particulate (PM₁₀) elements concentrations during Zhong Yuan Jie, and the first and 15th days of nong li for each month (Chinese lunar calendar) were all higher than during non-Zhong Yuan Jie and non-first and non-15th days. Furthermore, the dry deposition velocities of manganese in fine particulates (PM_2.5) and suspended particulates (PM₁₀) were 1.43 and 0.751cm/s, respectively, and the dry deposition velocities of cadmium in fine particulates (PM_2.5) and suspended particulates (PM₁₀) were 1.86 and 0.991cm/s, respectively.

Keywords: dry deposition velocities; incense burning; metallic elements; particulate matter; temple; Taiwan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2003.004189

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2003 Vol.19 No.6, pp.567 - 575

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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