Concentration Variability of Water-Soluble Ions during the Acceptable and Exceeded Pollution in an Industrial Region

Abstract

This study investigates the chemical composition of water-soluble inorganic ions at eight localities situated in the Moravian–Silesian Region (the Czech Republic) at the border with Poland. Water-soluble inorganic ions were monitored in the winter period of 2018 (January, 11 days and February, 5 days). The set was divided into two periods: the acceptable period (the 24-h concentration of PM10 < 50 µg/m3) and the period with exceeded pollution (PM10 ˃ 50 µg/m3). Air quality in the Moravian–Silesian Region and Upper Silesia is among the most polluted in Europe, especially in the winter season when the concentration of PM10 is repeatedly exceeded. The information on the occurrence and behaviour of water-soluble inorganic ions in the air during the smog episodes in Europe is insufficient. The concentrations of water-soluble ions (chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, ammonium ions, potassium) during the exceeded period are higher by two to three times compared with the acceptable period. The major anions for both acceptable period and exceeded pollution are nitrates. During the period of exceeded pollution, percentages of water-soluble ions in PM10 decrease while percentages of carbonaceous matter and insoluble particles (fly ash) increase.

Wintertime investigation of PM10 concentrations, sources, and relationship with different meteorological parameters

“…Liu et al 70 investigated the concentration of Na + , NH 4+ , K + , Mg 2+ , and Ca 2+ in PM 10 at Huangshi (China) having values 5.25, 7.77, 2.10, 0.58, and 5.29, µg m –3 , respectively. Švédová et al 71 noted the mass concentration of EC, NH 4 + Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ to be 1.26, 3.07, 0.29, 0.34, 0.49, and 0.06 µg m −3 , respectively, over the Czech Republic. Bhuyan et al 72 measured the concentration of Na + , NH 4 + , K + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ to be 1.3, 1.91, 1.5, 0.60, and 0.1 µg m –3 , respectively, in PM 10 concentration over the Brahmaputra valley (India) during the winter season.…”

Pathogenesis of PM2.5-Related Disorders in Different Age Groups: Children, Adults, and the Elderly

“…Its primary sources are the combustion and emissions resulting from vehicles powered by fuel, as well as the degradation of automotive components [ 28 ]. The primary constituents found in PM 2.5 consist of black carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aryl hydrocarbons, volatile organic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, organic compounds, minerals, inorganic ions, and biological materials [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Collectively, these components account for a minimum of 79–85% of the total mass [ 37 ].…”

Recent Insights into Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Mediated Toxicity in Humans: An Overview

“…It is primarily produced by combustion and emissions of fuel-powered vehicles and the wear and tear of auto parts [ 34 ]. The major components in PM 2.5 are black carbon [ 35 ], polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [ 36 , 37 ], aryl hydrocarbons [ 38 ], volatile organic hydrocarbons [ 39 ], heavy metals [ 40 ], organic compounds [ 41 ], minerals [ 42 ], inorganic ions [ 43 ], and biological materials [ 44 ], which collectively make up at least 79–85% of the total mass [ 45 ]. PM can be emitted directly from the main sources or indirectly through the conversion of gaseous emissions in the atmosphere.…”