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The physicochemical characterisation of microscopic airborne particles in south Wales: A review of the locations and methodologies

Jones, Timothy Peter ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4466-1260, Moreno, Teresa, Berube, Kelly Ann ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7471-7229 and Richards, Roy J. 2006. The physicochemical characterisation of microscopic airborne particles in south Wales: A review of the locations and methodologies. Science of the Total Environment 360 (1-3) , pp. 43-59. 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.08.055

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Abstract

As part of the NERC-URGENT thematic programme, research was undertaken into the physicochemistry and bioreactivity of microscopic airborne particulate matter in south Wales. This paper reviews the collecting and characterisation methods used in the research; some of the results obtained are shown as examples. Four main collecting locations were chosen: Cardiff (urban); Port Talbot (urban/industrial); Park Slip West coal opencast pit (industrial/rural); the Black Mountains (rural/background). Collections initially used a 30-l/min Negretti PM10 filter collection system, however in the later stages of the project increased use was made of a 1100-l/min impaction system (nicknamed the super-sucker). This latter device was developed at Harvard University USA, however was adapted and optimised at Cardiff University. Methods for the extraction of PM10 off polycarbonate filters and polyurethane substrates were developed, with particular attention being paid to minimise physical or chemical changes during the extraction, and the extracts being in an appropriate state for bioreactivity assessment. Physicochemical characterisation of the PM10 included the empirical measurement of shape and size using electron microscopy and semi-automated image analysis. The determinations of the water-soluble and -insoluble chemical components were undertaken by ion chromatography and inductive coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The bioreactivity of south Wales airborne particles is not covered by this review.

Item Type: Article
Date Type: Publication
Status: Published
Schools: Biosciences
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Q Science > Q Science (General)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Airborne particulate matter; PM10; Physicochemical particle characterisation; Urban air pollution; Open cast coal; South Wales; URGENT
Publisher: Elsevier
ISSN: 0048-9697
Last Modified: 19 Oct 2022 09:07
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/20046

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