Saharan dust contribution to PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 in urban and suburban areas of Rome: a comparison between single-particle SEM-EDS analysis and whole-sample PIXE analysis

Abstract

, a period characterised by two episodes of Saharan dust outbreaks in Italy, particulate matter (PM) samples were collected at two stations (urban and suburban) in Rome. Some samples were selected and analysed using the SEM-EDS technique to characterise PM, focussing especially on the mineral contribution. Samples were representative both of days affected by Saharan dust episodes and days without this contribution. Cluster analysis allowed the attribution of each of about 67 000 analysed particles to one of the seven main statistical groups based on their composition. Characteristics of the particulate components identified using SEM-EDS analysis were verified by PIXE analysis carried out on filters collected in a suburban area. Ultimately, the contribution of crustal particles was revealed to be consistently high, highlighting the importance of local and regional mineral contributions, as well as those of Saharan origin. Therefore, quantifying all mineral contributions to resuspended particulate could lead to significant reductions of the PM level also on days not influenced by Saharan dust, thus limiting conditions when PM 10 daily limit value (DLV) established by European legislation is exceeded.

PM<sub>1</sub> geochemical and mineralogical characterization using SEM-EDX to identify particle origin – Agri Valley pilot area (Basilicata, southern Italy)

“…Al / Si ratios > 0.3 are generally considered indicators of desert dust (Molinaroli, 1996;Guerzoni et al, 1997;Blanco et al, 2003;Kandler et al, 2007;Matassoni et al, 2011), however Coude-Gaussen et al (1987) have already found that the Al / Si ratio can vary with particle size. They noted that finest fractions have an Al / Si ratio significantly lower than that of mean aerosols, with values below 0.3, due to larger amounts of quartz.…”

“…Laskin et al, 2002). Furthermore, the behavior of the hygroscopic NaCl particles can encourage aggregation with silicate particles, abundant in Saharan dust outbreaks (Levin et al, 2005;Matassoni et al, 2011).…”

Investigation of Desert Dust Contribution to Source Apportionment of PM10 and PM2.5 from a Southern Mediterranean Coast

“…This indicates that all the sites experienced a certain marine influence. In the PM 10 samples, Ca (Choi et al, 2001;Arimoto et al, 2004;Cao et al, 2005b;Shen et al, 2007;Matassoni et al, 2011;Galindo et al, 2013). This calls, in first hypothesis, for the possibility of these particulate matter to mainly originate from Sahara dust.…”

Silica nanoparticles induce reversible damage of spermatogenic cells via RIPK1 signal pathways in C57 mice

“…[3][4][5] In addition, in the nature, SiNPs mainly exist in soil, sand, ore, and particulate matter. 6,7 Due to increasing atmospheric pollution, enhanced concentrations of SiNPs are found in the environment. 2,8 There is a concern that research on the possible health risks of SiNPs are not keeping pace with the rapid growth in the number of SiNP products.…”