Characteristics of aerosol pollution in the vicinity of an oil refinery near Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

Fine aerosol pollution is one of the most important factors in air pollution monitoring. Industrial production often represents significant source of aerosol pollution in surrounding areas, and therefore, it is important to understand its impact on air quality. In order to investigate contribution coming from the oil refinery to air pollution, PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm) samples were collected in the vicinity of an oil refinery during the 1‐year period. At the same time, PM2.5 was sampled in the city of Rijeka, Croatia, at the distance that is about 10 km far from the refinery. This site was used for comparison. The sampling was performed with two cyclone samplers on thin polytetrafluoroethylene filters. PM2.5 was sampled for 24 h every other day, simultaneously at both locations. In total, 306 samples were collected. The samples were analysed using X‐ray fluorescence and particle‐induced X‐ray emission to obtain concentrations of 17 elements from Na to Pb. Additionally, concentrations of black carbon were determined using laser‐integrated plate method. It was found that concentrations of S, V, and Ni, elements characteristic for oil burning, were substantially higher at the refinery sampling site comparing to the reference location. Obtained concentrations were statistically evaluated by performing positive matrix factorization to identify oil refinery as one of the pollution sources in the vicinity of such a facility. The same method was also performed at the urban site where the contribution from oil refinery was not separated from other similar sources.

Elemental analysis of particulate matter in a metal workshop and of biological samples from exposed workers

“…In the recent outdoor study in the City of Rijeka, medians of daily PM 2.5 , Fe, and Mn concentrations were found to be 11, 0.1, and 0.0053 μg/m 3 , respectively, whereas their third quartiles were 14, 0.18, and 0.0079 μg/m 3 , respectively. [ 28 ]…”

“…In the recent outdoor study in the City of Rijeka, medians of daily PM 2.5 , Fe, and Mn concentrations were found to be 11, 0.1, and 0.0053 μg/m 3 , respectively, whereas their third quartiles were 14, 0.18, and 0.0079 μg/m 3 , respectively. [28] Comparing the two sampling sites in the workshop, the mean concentrations were about 10 times higher in the working room than in the storeroom during the F I G U R E 1 Weekly variations of PM 2.5 and elemental concentrations during the first sampling period working hours, but in non-working periods the concentrations were comparable for all elements except for Fe, which was still several times higher in the working room. This could mean that, during the non-working time, most of the particles deposit relatively quickly and the remaining particles are mixed through all the rooms.…”

Protecting Species by Promoting Protected Areas and Human Development—A Panel Analysis

“…The quality of the environment directly affects the quality of human life. Poor air quality is associated with various lung and cardiovascular diseases and premature deaths [30,31]. Global pollution of natural waters is one of the major problems facing humanity.…”