PM10 and PM2.5 composition over the Central Black Sea: origin and seasonal variability

Abstract

Daily PM10 and PM2.5 samples were collected between April 2009 and July 2010 at a rural site (Sinop) situated on the coast of the Central Black Sea. The concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were 23.2 ± 16.7 and 9.8 ± 6.9 μg m(-3), respectively. Coarse and fine filters were analyzed for Cl(-), NO3(-), SO4(2-), C2O4(2-), PO4(3-), Na(+), NH4(+), K(+), Mg(2+), and Ca(2+) by using ion chromatography. Elemental and organic carbon content in bulk quartz filters were also analyzed. The highest PM2.5 contribution to PM10 was found in summer with a value of 0.54 due to enhanced secondary aerosols in relation to photochemistry. Cl(-), Na(+), and Mg(2+) illustrated their higher concentrations and variability during winter. Chlorine depletion was chiefly attributed to nitrate. Higher nssCa(2+) concentrations were ascribed to episodic mineral dust intrusions from North Africa into the region. Crustal material (31%) and sea salt (13%) were found to be accounted for the majority of the PM10. The ionic mass (IM), particulate organic matter (POM), and elemental carbon (EC) explained 13, 20, and 3% of the PM10 mass, correspondingly. The IM, POM, and EC dominated the PM2.5 (~74%) mass. Regarding EU legislation, the exceeded PM2.5 values were found to be associated with secondary aerosols, with a particular dominance of POM. For the exceeded PM10 values, six of the events were dominated by dust while two and four of these exceedances were caused by sea salt and mix events, respectively.

Assessing the Impact of Land-Use Planning on the Atmospheric Environment through Predicting the Spatial Variability of Airborne Pollutants

“…In addition, previous studies have reported a high correlation between PM 10 and PM 2.5 emissions in China and beyond [54,55,56]. It is also reported that the contribution of PM 2.5 to PM 10 in the Central Black Sea in summer was 54% [57]. As such, to some extent, the estimation of PM 10 reveals the concentration of PM 2.5 .…”

Investigation of Airborne Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere of the Black Sea Coastal Zone Based on the Measured and Satellite Data

“…Droughts and intensive exploitation of pastures lead to a reduction in vegetation cover in large areas of arid zones in Asia and Africa and the removal of dust particles from them [2]. As a result of sand and dust storms, dust can rise high into the atmosphere and be carried over long distances, often moving across the oceans [14][15][16][17]. Each year, such storms carry into the oceans an average of half a billion tons of minerals and nutrients, which, coming from the atmosphere, can affect the primary production of the ocean, including its coastal regions.…”

Investigation of Airborne Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere of the Black Sea Coastal Zone Based on the Measured and Satellite Data

“…Засухи и интенсивная эксплуатация пастбищ приводят к сокращению растительного покрова на значительных площадях аридных зон Азии и Африки и выносу с них пылевых частиц [2]. В результате песчаных и пылевых бурь пыль может подниматься высоко в атмосферу и разноситься на большие расстояния, часто перемещаясь через океаны [14][15][16][17]. Ежегодно такие бури переносят в океаны в среднем полмиллиарда тонн минералов и биогенных веществ, которые, поступая из атмосферы, могут оказывать влияние на первичную продукцию океана, включая и прибрежные его районы.…”