Characterization of Fine Particulate Matter in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Using Complementary Experimental Techniques

Abstract

Airborne particulate matter (PM) pollutants were sampled from an urban background site in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The fine fraction (PM 2.5 ) (particulates with aerodynamic diameters of less than 2.5 µm) was collected on 47-mm Teflon filters and analyzed using a combined set of non-destructive techniques in order to provide better understanding of the sources of pollutants and their interaction during transport in the atmosphere. These techniques included gravimetric analysis, equivalent black carbon (EBC), X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Generally, the PM 2.5 concentrations are within the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency. The EBC content is in the range of 10-12% of the total PM concentration (2-4 µg m −3 ), while S (as ammonium sulfate), Ca (as calcite, gypsum, and calcium carbonate), Si (as quartz), Fe, and Al were the major sources of PM pollution. EBC, ammonium sulfate, Zn, V, and Mn originate from anthropogenic sources such as fossil fuel burning, traffic, and industrial emissions. Natural elements such as Ca, Fe, Al, Si, and Ti are due to natural sources such as crustal materials (enhanced during dust episodes) and sea salts. The average contribution of natural sources in the total PM 2.5 mass concentration over the sampling period is about 40%, and the contribution of the secondary inorganic compounds is about 27% (mainly ammonium sulfate in our case). The remaining 22% is assumed to be secondary organic compounds.

Assessment of Heavy Metals and Color as Indicators of Contamination in Street Dust of a City in SE Spain: Influence of Traffic Intensity and Sampling Location

“…The World Health Organization has stated that large numbers of people living in urban cores suffer from certain health issues due to their long-term exposure to heavy metals and other pollutants [1][2][3]. Urban dusts are capable of being perilous in many respects, since they are brought into contact with people by inhalation, assimilation through the skin, or even by oral consumption, the hazard being greater when the particles are particularly small [4][5][6][7].…”

Monitoring Dust Storms in Iraq Using Satellite Data

“…Kim et al [51] show that planting vegetation (trees and shrubs) decreased the particulate matter due to dust storms in the environment in Seoul, South Korea. Hamdan et al [52] characterize the fine particulate matter in the atmosphere using laboratory techniques of x-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction. The identified the major chemical and mineral compositions of the particulates.…”

SEM/EDS as Complementary Techniques to XRD and XRF for Structural Determination of Particulate Matter Pollution

“…Fine particulates with diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM 2.5 ) are of greater concern because they can penetrate deep into the lung, irritate and corrode the alveolar wall, and consequently impair lung function and cause damage to the respiratory system. Because of their large surface area, fine particles are more capable of carrying various toxic materials that can reach the end of the respiratory tract and even get into the bloodstream, causing extensive damage and increasing the risk of cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular, and ischemic heart diseases [1][2][3][4][5]. Anthropogenic sources such as traffic emissions will potentially be more harmful, not only because of their size, but also because of their chemical compositions.…”

“…Elemental composition was determined from XRF measurements and analysis using comparable thickness Micromatter film standards and a NIST Standard Aerosol Reference Material 2783. XRD measurements were performed using a Bruker D8 ADVANCE system with a Cu tube and a linear detector (LYNXEYE XE) [2,6]. Imaging and elemental maps were performed for selected filters of PM 2.5 on a TESCAN environmental scanning electron microscope (VEGA3 XMU).…”