Fine and ultrafine TiO₂ particles in aerosol in Kraków (Poland)

Abstract

During single particle analysis of aerosol in Kraków (Poland) we noticed a new component, that is, aggregates of TiO2 particles. These aggregates are from 0.5 to 4 μm and are composed of individual particles whose size typically varies from between 100 and 350 nm. Smaller particles (below 100 nm) also occur. TiO2 particles are relatively abundant in the summer. The size distribution of the particles corresponds to “pigmentary” TiO2, which indicates that they could be derived from paints and building materials. TiO2 particles were not previously identified in aerosol samples in Kraków, and therefore this phenomenon is likely to be related to the common usage of new building materials and paints. A review of the literature suggests that TiO2 particles, especially within the nanosize range, could result in health and environmental impacts; however, evaluation of the actual threat is difficult.

Identification of secondary salts and their sources in deteriorated stone monuments using micro‐Raman spectroscopy, SEM‐EDS and XRD

“…Probably, it is derived from cements and plasters, which are manufactured with the use of the titanium white pigment to improve their resistance to colour changes . Aggregates of TiO 2 particles have also been established in atmospheric particulate matter in Kraków …”

“…[87] Aggregates of TiO 2 particles have also been established in atmospheric particulate matter in Kraków. [88]…”

Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of urban aerosols in Krakow (Poland) and their potential health impact

“…3 and 4 ). The dominance of PM1 in the PM in Krakow was pointed out by Wilczyńska-Michalik et al ( 2015b ). The number of particles below 0.1 μm (ultrafine particles) is very high in the studied samples (Fig.…”

“…Analyses of metals contained in single particles of atmospheric dust in Poland are relatively scarce. Wawroś et al ( 2003 ) determined particles rich in Fe, Cu, Ti, Cr, Zn and Ni in samples collected in Katowice, while Wilczyńska-Michalik and Michalik ( 2015 ) and Wilczyńska-Michalik et al ( 2015a , b ) described particles rich in metals in PM from Krakow.…”

Road Environments: Impact of Metals on Human Health in Heavily Congested Cities of Poland

“…Elevated amounts of Ba in road dust could be a consequence of using BaSO 4 to improve wear resistance, as well as from guardrails [ 33 , 57 ]. Severely elevated concentrations of Ti in all types of road-environment samples in the examined cities may be of anthropogenic origin [ 58 ]; they might be linked to the use of alkali metal titanates as inorganic fillers for the purpose of stabilizing friction coefficient. The third group consists of roadside soil samples strongly correlated with Pb.…”