Influence of atmospheric stability on the mass concentration and chemical composition of atmospheric particles: a case study in Rome, Italy.
Academic Article
Publication Date:
2008
abstract:
PM10 concentration and chemical composition (ions and carbon compounds) at three sampling stations in Rome and in its surroundings was
determined daily during a one-month field study, carried out during December 2003.
PM concentration at the traffic station was considerably higher than at the urban background and semi-rural stations; elemental carbon was
detected as one of the chemical components responsible for this increase. The difference in the concentration of sulphate and ammonium was
negligible, as it was expected for secondary pollutants. A negative artefact in the determination of ammonium nitrate by means of heated
automatic monitors was highlighted.
The dilution properties of the lower atmosphere were traced by means of a natural radioactivity monitor. This parameter has been found to play
an essential role in pollution buildup. A considerable increase in PM concentration was observed to coincide with periods of atmospheric stability.
The main difference in PM composition between periods of high concentration and periods of "clean" air was found to be in the increase of
ammonium nitrate concentration.
determined daily during a one-month field study, carried out during December 2003.
PM concentration at the traffic station was considerably higher than at the urban background and semi-rural stations; elemental carbon was
detected as one of the chemical components responsible for this increase. The difference in the concentration of sulphate and ammonium was
negligible, as it was expected for secondary pollutants. A negative artefact in the determination of ammonium nitrate by means of heated
automatic monitors was highlighted.
The dilution properties of the lower atmosphere were traced by means of a natural radioactivity monitor. This parameter has been found to play
an essential role in pollution buildup. A considerable increase in PM concentration was observed to coincide with periods of atmospheric stability.
The main difference in PM composition between periods of high concentration and periods of "clean" air was found to be in the increase of
ammonium nitrate concentration.
Iris type:
01.01 Articolo in rivista
Keywords:
Atmospheric pollution; Particulate matter; Natural radioactivity; Atmospheric stability; Ammonium nitrate
List of contributors:
Pacchiarotta, Tiziana; Catrambone, Maria; Pietrodangelo, Adriana; Perrino, Cinzia
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