Characterization of particulate matter in the Apulia Region (South of Italy): features and critical episodes

The chemical composition of PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ samples collected during two seasonal monitoring campaigns at residential, urban and industrial Apulia Region- sites was investigated. Ionic fraction, carbonaceous compounds and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons were determined for all samples. High correlat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of atmospheric chemistry 2009-07, Vol.63 (3), p.203-220
Main Authors: Amodio, Martino, Andriani, Eleonora, Caselli, Maurizio, Dambruoso, Paolo R, Daresta, Barbara E, de Gennaro, Gianluigi, Ielpo, Pierina, Placentino, Claudia M, Tutino, Maria
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Airborne particulates
Applied sciences
Atmospheric pollution
Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution
Atmospheric Sciences
Chemical characterization
Chemicals
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Industrial contribution
PM
PM₂.
Pollutants physicochemistry study: properties, effects, reactions, transport and distribution
Pollution
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
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Summary:The chemical composition of PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ samples collected during two seasonal monitoring campaigns at residential, urban and industrial Apulia Region- sites was investigated. Ionic fraction, carbonaceous compounds and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons were determined for all samples. High correlations among PM data collected in the investigated sites suggested the regional character of particulate matter. It was also confirmed by five days back trajectories analysis. Moreover, no significant seasonal trend in PM mass concentration was observed in the investigated sites. These results, relevant for the area under investigations, were not observed in the North of Italy and Europe and allow to conclude that PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ cannot be considered ‘good' indicators for the evaluation of local anthropic contributions to air quality. On the contrary, the high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons found in Taranto sampling sites suggested that PAHs can be a better indicator for this purpose. This result is also relevant in order to weigh the importance of industrial area and to suggest right policy control to decision makers.
ISSN:0167-7764
1573-0662
DOI:10.1007/s10874-010-9163-0