Fine particulate matter in the tropical environment: monsoonal effects, source apportionment, and health risk assessment

Khan, M. F. and Latif, M. T. and Saw, W. H. and Amil, N. and Nadzir, M. S. M. and Sahani, M. and Tahir, N. M. and Chung, J. X. (2016) Fine particulate matter in the tropical environment: monsoonal effects, source apportionment, and health risk assessment. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 16 (2). pp. 597-617. ISSN 1680-7316

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Abstract

The health implications of PM2:5 in the tropical region of Southeast Asia (SEA) are significant as PM2:5 can pose serious health concerns. PM2:5 concentration and sources here are strongly influenced by changes in the monsoon regime from the south-west quadrant to the north-east quadrant in the region. In this work, PM2:5 samples were collected at a semi-urban area using a high-volume air sampler at different seasons on 24 h basis. Analysis of trace elements and water-soluble ions was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and ion chromatography (IC), respectively. Apportionment analysis of PM2:5 was carried out using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) positive matrix factorization (PMF) 5.0 and a mass closure model. We quantitatively characterized the health risks posed to human populations through the inhalation of selected heavy metals in PM2:5. 48% of the samples collected exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) 24 h PM2:5 guideline but only 19% of the samples exceeded 24 h US EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The PM2:5 concentration was slightly higher during the north-east monsoon compared to south-west monsoon. The main trace metals identified were As, Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, V, and Cr while the main ions were SO2

Item Type: Article
Subjects: T Technology > T Technology (General) > T1-995 Technology(General)
Divisions: Pusat Pengajian Teknologi Industri (School of Industrial Technology) > Article
Depositing User: Mr Noorazilan Noordin
Date Deposited: 22 Feb 2018 07:48
Last Modified: 22 Feb 2018 07:48
URI: http://eprints.usm.my/id/eprint/39124

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