Characterization of typical metal particles during haze episodes in Shanghai, China. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Rui; Yang, Xin; Fu, Hongbo; Hu, Qingqing; Zhang, Liwu; Chen, Jianmin
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 181(2017)
• Page Start: 259
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Trace metals -- Haze -- Single particle -- TEM -- ATOFMS; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.03.140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Aerosol particles were collected during three heavy haze episodes at Shanghai in the winter of 2013. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to study the morphology and speciation of typical metal particles at a single-particle level. In addition, time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) was applied to identify the speciation of the Fe-containing particles. TEM analysis indicated that various metal-containing particles were hosted by sulfates, nitrates, and oxides. Fe-bearing particles mainly originated from vehicle emissions and/or steel production. Pb-, Zn-, and Sb-bearing particles were mainly contributed by anthropogenic sources. Fe-bearing particles were clustered into six groups by ATOFMS: Fe-Carbon, Fe-Inorganic, Fe-Trace metal, Fe-CN, Fe-PO3, and Fe-NO3 . ATOFMS data suggested that Fe-containing particles corresponded to different origins, including industrial activities, resuspension of dusts, and vehicle emissions. Fe-Carbon and Fe-CN particles displayed significant diurnal variation, and high levels were observed during the morning rush hours. Fe-Inorganic and Fe-Trace metal particle levels peaked at night. Furthermore, Fe-Carbon and Fe-PO3 were mainly concentrated in the fine particles. Fe-CN, Fe-Inorganic, and Fe-Trace metal exhibited bimodal distribution. The mixing state of the particles revealed that all Fe-bearing particles tended to be mixed with sulfate and nitrate. The data presented herein is essential for elucidating the origin, evolution processes, and health effects of metal-bearing particles. Highlights: Metal-containing particles were hosted by sulfates, nitrates, and oxides. Six main types of Fe-containing particles could be observed by ATOFMS. TEM and ATOFMS can supplement one another for single particle analysis.