Title: Chemical and morphological study of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in Pune, India

Authors: Suman Yadav; P. Gursumeeran Satsangi

Addresses: Department of Chemistry, University of Pune, Pune – 411 007, India ' Department of Chemistry, University of Pune, Pune – 411 007, India

Abstract: PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 ambient samples were collected by a particulate sampler (APM 550, Envirotech) in the Department of Chemistry, University of Pune, India. Exposed filters were used to determine the mass, ionic composition and morphology of fine PM. The mean PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations were 16.69 ± 5.6 μg m³ and 11.68 ± 4.1 μg m³, respectively. Neutralisation factors for all major cations were computed and found to be higher for Ca²⁺ while for PM_2.5 it was higher for NH₄10⁺. Calculation revealed that in particulate matter 25% of SO₄²⁻ in both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 and 30% of NO₃⁻ in PM₁₀ is coming from anthropogenic sources, whereas other species are coming mainly from the natural sources. Morphology and chemical composition of 236 individual particles were determined by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer. Based on morphological study, the particles were clustered as: Si-rich particles (56%), soot (16%), oxides (10%), sulphates (8%), carbonates (5%), metal-rich (4%), and biological particles (3%).

Keywords: particulate matter; PM10; PM2.5; chemical composition; vehicle emissions; sea salt ratios; morphology; India; air pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2014.059617

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2014 Vol.13 No.2, pp.199 - 216

Accepted: 27 May 2013
Published online: 13 May 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article