Size-segregated chemical composition of aerosol emissions in an urban road tunnel in Portugal

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Pio, C (Author) Other; Mirante, F (Author) Other; Oliveira, C (Author) Other; Matos, M (Author) Other; Caseiro, A (Author) Other; Oliveira, C (Author) Other; Querol, X (Author) Other; Alves, C (Author) Other; Martins, N (Author) Other; Cerqueira, M (Author) Other; Camoes, F (Author) Other; Silva, H (Author) Other; Plana, F (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Atmospheric Environment

Vol. 71

Pages: 15-25

ISSN: 1352-2310

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 45 Citations

Scopus - 39 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-005-0FN

DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.01.037

Abstract (EN): An atmospheric aerosol study was performed in 2008 inside an urban road tunnel, in Lisbon, Portugal. Using a high volume impactor, the aerosol was collected into four size fractions (PM0.5, PM0.5-1, PM1-2.5 and PM2.5-10) and analysed for particle mass (PM), organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), soluble inorganic ions and elemental composition. Three main groups of compounds were discriminated in the tunnel aerosol: carbonaceous, soil component and vehicle mechanical wear. Measurements indicate that Cu can be a good tracer for wear emissions of road traffic. Cu levels correlate strongly with Fe, Mn, Sn and Cr, showing a highly linear constant ratio in all size ranges, suggesting a unique origin through sizes. Ratios of Cu with other elements can be used to source apportion the trace elements present in urban atmospheres, mainly on what concerns coarse aerosol particles.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11