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Atmosphere
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Urban Particulate Matters: Composition, Sources, and Exposure
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Urban Particulate Matters: Composition, Sources, and Exposure

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Aerosols".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2019) | Viewed by 25974

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Cheol-Heon Jeong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Southern Ontario Centre for Atmospheric Aerosol Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada
Interests: aerosol characterization using advanced instrumentation; source apportionement of airborne particles; atmospheric behaviour and impacts of air pollutants; exposure to traffic-related air pollutants; mobile air quality monitoring

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Urban air quality is contributed by a mixture of local and regional scale sources of particulate matter, which requires comprehensive monitoring approaches and understanding of its environmental aspects. Knowledge about the physical and chemical characterization of fine and coarse particulate matter (less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and less than 10 μm. (PM10)) in urban environments is necessary to identify air pollution sources and relative contributions and to evaluate important determinant in it health outcomes. The exposure of populations to elevated pollution levels may vary due to the spatial and temporal variability of local urban aerosol. Various field observations are needed to assess important links between sources and exposure in rapidly changing environments. A combination of observation and modeling can be applied to resolve the relative contributions of local and regional aerosol sources and to estimate concentration maps for urban areas. This will help to develop future urban planning and policy for mitigating the potential impact of air pollution on public health.

This Special Issue on " Urban Particulate Matters: Composition, Sources, and Exposure" brings together publications on the characterization of urban PM2.5 and PM10, source apportionment, implications for exposure. We encourage submissions from all aspects of urban aerosol observations, including PM2.5 and PM10 composition, health risks of exposure to urban air pollutants, and receptor modeling for sources identification.

Dr. Cheol-Heon Jeong
Guest Editor


Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Urban Aerosol

  • Mobile Measurement

  • On-road/Near-road Measurement

  • Spatial Variation

  • Traffic-related Air Pollution

  • Diesel/Gasoline Vehicles

  • Tailpipe/Non-tailpipe Emissions

  • Personal Exposure

  • Sources Apportionment

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2680 KiB  
Article
A Novel Role of PM Extracts on the Post-Transcriptional Control of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators, IL-6 and CXCL8
by Evasomary Rivera-Ramírez, Loyda B. Méndez, Andrea Ortíz-Rivera, Rosa I. Rodríguez-Cotto and Braulio Jiménez-Vélez
Atmosphere 2019, 10(5), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10050270 - 14 May 2019
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2413
Abstract
Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) has been associated with the transcriptional up-regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. However, the effect of PM on post-transcriptional regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators has not been fully explored. In this study, we examined the acute effect of organic extracts [...] Read more.
Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) has been associated with the transcriptional up-regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. However, the effect of PM on post-transcriptional regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators has not been fully explored. In this study, we examined the acute effect of organic extracts from urban PM, rural PM and diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on the post-transcriptional control of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (CXCL8) using a human bronchial epithelial cell line. Both PM and DEP extracts induced the release of IL-6 and CXCL8 after 24 h of exposure. Time-course experiments were conducted to examine changes in mRNA steady-state levels and half-lives. The steady-state levels of CXCL8 mRNA increase at 15 min on cells exposed to both PM and DEP extracts. Meanwhile only the urban extract induced significant increases of IL-6 mRNA levels at 15 min. Indirect measurements of IL-6 mRNA half-life showed a dramatic increase in cells exposed to the organic extracts. CXCL8 mRNA half-life increases in cells exposed to PM extracts and not DEP extract. Nuclear run-ons demonstrated that the urban PM and DEP extracts promoted an up-regulation in the transcription rate of CXCL8 at 15 min but not for IL-6. Urban and rural PM influences the post-transcriptional control of CXCL8. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Particulate Matters: Composition, Sources, and Exposure)
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12 pages, 4207 KiB  
Article
Simulation of an Asian Dust Storm Event in May 2017
by Ping Song, Jianfang Fei, Changshun Li and Xiaogang Huang
Atmosphere 2019, 10(3), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10030135 - 13 Mar 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3361
Abstract
Dust particles in the atmosphere play an important role in air pollution, climate change, and biogeochemical cycles. Some of the dominant sources of dust in mid-latitude regions are in Asia. An intense dust storm engulfed Northern China at the beginning of May 2017, [...] Read more.
Dust particles in the atmosphere play an important role in air pollution, climate change, and biogeochemical cycles. Some of the dominant sources of dust in mid-latitude regions are in Asia. An intense dust storm engulfed Northern China at the beginning of May 2017, and PM10 mass concentrations of 1500–2000 μg m−3 were measured near the dust source region. We combined numerical simulations, air quality monitoring data, and satellite retrievals to investigate dust emission and transport during this event. We found that the event was closely related to cold front activity, characterized by increased wind speed, which increased dust emission. We improved the dust scheme using a local dust size distribution to better simulate the dust emission flux. We found that accurate parametrization of the dust size distribution was important to effectively simulate both dust emission and ambient particle concentration. We showed that using a local dust size distribution substantially improved the accuracy of the simulation, allowing both the spatial distribution of pollution caused by the dust storm and temporal variability in the pollution to be captured. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Particulate Matters: Composition, Sources, and Exposure)
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13 pages, 2269 KiB  
Article
Multi-Year Continuous PM2.5 Measurements with the Federal Equivalent Method SHARP 5030 and Comparisons to Filter-Based and TEOM Measurements in Ontario, Canada
by Yushan Su, Uwayemi Sofowote, Jerzy Debosz, Luc White and Anthony Munoz
Atmosphere 2018, 9(5), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos9050191 - 17 May 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3787
Abstract
Continuous monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is important to provide near-real-time air quality information for public health protection, especially when ambient levels are elevated. The Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM), operated at 30 °C with a sample equilibration system (SES), [...] Read more.
Continuous monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is important to provide near-real-time air quality information for public health protection, especially when ambient levels are elevated. The Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM), operated at 30 °C with a sample equilibration system (SES), was used to measure PM2.5 hourly concentrations from 2002 to 2012 in Ontario, Canada. In January 2013, the Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) Synchronized Hybrid Ambient Real-time Particulate (SHARP) model 5030 monitors replaced the TEOM devices at all monitoring stations across the province to improve measurements in cold months. Continuous PM2.5 measurements from 2013 to 2016 showed good reliability of the SHARP 5030 with an average 98% valid hourly data reported to the public. Collocated measurements indicated that 24 h averages of the SHARP 5030 were comparable to those by the filter-based integrated samplers including the Federal Reference Method (FRM), and the FEM dichotomous (Dichot) and Speciation samplers. The slope and intercept of the linear regression between the SHARP 5030 and the FRM results generally met the acceptance limits for PM2.5 Class III FEM designation, and the ratio of FEM/FRM was 1.0 or 1.1. Twenty-four-hour averages of the SHARP 5030 also correlated well with the collocated 24 h Dichot and Speciation results. The difference percentages between SHARP 5030 and 24 h integrated results were found to be larger at low rather than at high PM2.5 levels, but not dependent on seasons. Absolute differences ranged from 0 to 16 µg/m3 and root mean square differences ranged from 2.0 to 2.3 µg/m3 when the SHARP 5030 was compared with the FRM, Dichot, and Speciation samplers. A simplified approach was further developed to correct historical TEOM data for cold months to continue long-term trend analyses based on collocated measurements at eight stations where PM2.5 emission sources varied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Particulate Matters: Composition, Sources, and Exposure)
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18 pages, 9475 KiB  
Article
Hazard Quotients, Hazard Indexes, and Cancer Risks of Toxic Metals in PM10 during Firework Displays
by Siwatt Pongpiachan, Akihiro Iijima and Junji Cao
Atmosphere 2018, 9(4), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos9040144 - 12 Apr 2018
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7044
Abstract
Bonfire night is a worldwide phenomenon given to numerous annual celebrations characterised by bonfires and fireworks. Since Thailand has no national ambient air quality standards for metal particulates, it is important to investigate the impacts of particulate injections on elevations of air pollutants [...] Read more.
Bonfire night is a worldwide phenomenon given to numerous annual celebrations characterised by bonfires and fireworks. Since Thailand has no national ambient air quality standards for metal particulates, it is important to investigate the impacts of particulate injections on elevations of air pollutants and the ecological health impacts resulting from firework displays. In this investigation, Pb and Ba were considered potential firework tracers because their concentrations were significantly higher during the episode, and lower than/comparable with minimum detection limits during other periods, indicating that their elevated concentrations were principally due to pyrotechnic displays. Pb/Ca, Pb/Al, Pb/Mg, and Pb/Cu can be used to pin-point emissions from firework displays. Air mass backward trajectories (72 h) from the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model indicated that areas east and north-east of the study site were the main sources of the airborne particles. Although the combined risk associated with levels of Pb, Cr, Co., Ni, Zn, As, Cd, V, and Mn was far below the standards mentioned in international guidelines, the lifetime cancer risks associated with As and Cr levels exceeded US-EPA guidelines, and may expose inhabitants of surrounding areas of Bangkok to an elevated cancer risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Particulate Matters: Composition, Sources, and Exposure)
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21 pages, 19571 KiB  
Article
Atmospheric Distribution of PAHs and Quinones in the Gas and PM1 Phases in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Mexico: Sources and Health Risk
by Valeria Ojeda-Castillo, Alberto López-López, Leonel Hernández-Mena, Mario Alfonso Murillo-Tovar, José De Jesús Díaz-Torres, Iván Y. Hernández-Paniagua, Jorge Del Real-Olvera and Elizabeth León-Becerril
Atmosphere 2018, 9(4), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos9040137 - 05 Apr 2018
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5186
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and quinones in the gas phase and as submicron particles raise concerns due to their potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. The majority of existing studies have investigated the formation of quinones, but it is also important to consider both [...] Read more.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and quinones in the gas phase and as submicron particles raise concerns due to their potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. The majority of existing studies have investigated the formation of quinones, but it is also important to consider both the primary and secondary sources to estimate their contributions. The objectives of this study were to characterize PAHs and quinones in the gas and particulate matter (PM1) phases in order to identify phase distributions, sources, and cancer risk at two urban monitoring sites in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (GMA) in Mexico. The simultaneous gas and PM1 phases samples were analyzed using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometer. The lifetime lung cancer risk (LCR) due to PAH exposure was calculated to be 1.7 × 10−3, higher than the recommended risk value of 10−6, indicating a potential health hazard. Correlations between parent PAHs, criteria pollutants, and meteorological parameters suggest that primary sources are the main contributors to the Σ8 Quinones concentrations in PM1, while the secondary formation of 5,12-naphthacenequinone and 9,10-anthraquinone may contribute less to the observed concentration of quinones. Additionally, naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and anthracene in PM1, suggest photochemical degradation into unidentified species. Further research is needed to determine how these compounds are formed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Particulate Matters: Composition, Sources, and Exposure)
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10354 KiB  
Article
Different Characteristics of New Particle Formation Events at Two Suburban Sites in Northern China
by Yan Peng, Yan Dong, Xingmin Li, Xiaodong Liu, Jin Dai, Chuang Chen, Zipeng Dong, Chuanli Du and Zhaosheng Wang
Atmosphere 2017, 8(12), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos8120258 - 19 Dec 2017
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3555
Abstract
The formation of new atmospheric aerosol particles and their subsequent growth have been observed under different environmental conditions globally; such observations are few over northwest China. Here, we present an analysis of some case studies for new particle formation (NPF) events from two [...] Read more.
The formation of new atmospheric aerosol particles and their subsequent growth have been observed under different environmental conditions globally; such observations are few over northwest China. Here, we present an analysis of some case studies for new particle formation (NPF) events from two distinct suburban locations in northern China during May and June of two consecutive years, and provide more information to understand the characteristics of NPF events in North China. Particle number size distribution was measured at suburbs of Beijing (39.75° N, 116.96° E) during 1 June to 2 July 2013 and at suburbs of Xi’an (34.09° N, 108.55° E) during 1 to 25 May 2014. The average of total particle number concentration in the similar size range of 10–487 nm at the suburbs of Beijing (9.0 × 103 cm−3) was about two times higher than those observed at Xi’an (4.7 × 103 cm−3), and the mean particle mode diameter at Beijing was 1.4-fold higher than that at Xi’an. The estimated total condensation sink (CS) at Beijing (3.11 × 10−2 s−1) was also higher than at Xi’an (1.13 × 10−2 s−1). The frequency of NPF events at suburb of Beijing was 24%, lower than that in Xi’an (50%), and also lower than urban site of Beijing (35% in June) and another suburb of Beijing (over 50% in June). The NPF events with (Class I) or without (Class II) subsequent growth were both observed at the two suburb sites. The derived GR at the suburb of Beijing (range from 4.6 to 8.6 nm h−1) was a little higher than that at Xi’an (range from 3.3 to 6.7 nm h−1), which are generally comparable to typical values in mid-latitude reported in previous studies. The air masses coming from north or northwest China favor the occurrence of NPF event under low condensation sink and clear days. The number size distributions of freshly nucleated particles showed clear bimodal distributions on both sites. Additionally, Mode Dp of nucleated particles at the two sites was 17 ± 1 nm and 22 ± 4 nm, respectively during the periods with NPF events. The case study of NPF events at the two suburb sites shows that the surface area concentration and total scattering coefficient (SC) was significant decreased during the NPF events at both sites. High temperature, low condensation sink and low relative humidity furthered the occurrence of NPF events, and wind direction shifts were important for the subsequent growth of particles. NPF events in the suburbs of Beijing usually occurred when relative humidity (RH) < 55%, CS < 0.02 s−1, or 55% < RH < 68%, CS < 0.01 s−1. However, there is no clear range for Xi’an. Furthermore, we observed that some NPF events occurred at higher RH and very low CS in this study on both sites, which means that low CS may be more important than low RH for the particle formation on clear days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Particulate Matters: Composition, Sources, and Exposure)
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