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Chemical Characterization of Outdoor and Subway Fine (PM 2.5–1.0 ) and Coarse (PM 10–2.5 ) Particulate Matter in Seoul (Korea) by Computer-Controlled Scanning Electron Microscopy (CCSEM)

Author

Listed:
  • Sang-Hoon Byeon

    (Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 136-703, Korea)

  • Robert Willis

    (National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA)

  • Thomas M. Peters

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 100 Oakdale Campus, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA)

Abstract

Outdoor and indoor (subway) samples were collected by passive sampling in urban Seoul (Korea) and analyzed with computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (CCSEM-EDX). Soil/road dust particles accounted for 42%–60% (by weight) of fine particulate matter larger than 1 µm (PM 2.5–1.0 ) in outdoor samples and 18% of PM 2.5–1.0 in subway samples. Iron-containing particles accounted for only 3%–6% in outdoor samples but 69% in subway samples. Qualitatively similar results were found for coarse particulate matter (PM 10–2.5 ) with soil/road dust particles dominating outdoor samples (66%–83%) and iron-containing particles contributing most to subway PM 10–2.5 (44%). As expected, soil/road dust particles comprised a greater mass fraction of PM 10–2.5 than PM 2.5–1.0 . Also as expected, the mass fraction of iron-containing particles was substantially less in PM 10–2.5 than in PM 2.5–1.0 . Results of this study are consistent with known emission sources in the area and with previous studies, which showed high concentrations of iron-containing particles in the subway compared to outdoor sites. Thus, passive sampling with CCSEM-EDX offers an inexpensive means to assess PM 2.5–1.0 and PM 10-2.5 simultaneously and by composition at multiple locations.

Suggested Citation

  • Sang-Hoon Byeon & Robert Willis & Thomas M. Peters, 2015. "Chemical Characterization of Outdoor and Subway Fine (PM 2.5–1.0 ) and Coarse (PM 10–2.5 ) Particulate Matter in Seoul (Korea) by Computer-Controlled Scanning Electron Microscopy (CCSEM)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-15, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:2:p:2090-2104:d:45878
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Birmania Heredia Rivera & Martín Gerardo Rodriguez, 2016. "Characterization of Airborne Particles Collected from Car Engine Air Filters Using SEM and EDX Techniques," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-16, October.
    2. Jun Ho Jo & ByungWan Jo & Jung Hoon Kim & Ian Choi, 2020. "Implementation of IoT-Based Air Quality Monitoring System for Investigating Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) in Subway Tunnels," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-12, July.
    3. Yueming Wen & Jiawei Leng & Xiaobing Shen & Gang Han & Lijun Sun & Fei Yu, 2020. "Environmental and Health Effects of Ventilation in Subway Stations: A Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-37, February.

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