Evaluation of the urban particulate air pollution and assessment of Anions and Cations – Case study

Abstract

In this study, the concentrations of particulate matters in two ranges PM10 and PM2.5 were sampled at site of renewable energies in Materials and Energy Research Center, located in MeshkinDasht city of Alborz province. Then collected particulates were extracted and analyzed using ion chromatograph instrument to evaluate the contamination of 6 anions and 6 cationsadsorbed on airborne particles. Obtained results showed relatively high concentrations of Sulfate and Nitrate anions in both PM10 and PM2.5 particles. Also, Calcium cation was measured to have highest concentration on PM10 and Ammonium cation showed the highest concentration on PM2.5. As a result of this research, it should be emphasized that the finer particles (PM2.5) contain relatively high percentages of ions (48% w) in comparison with coarse particles (PM10) containing 24% w of ions pollution. This results emphasis more health risks for smaller particles.

Keywords

• air pollutant
• particulate matter
• pm10
• pm2.5
• anion
• cation