Volcanic emissions and atmospheric pollution: A study of nanoparticles

The influence of emissions of an active volcano on the composition of nanopartides and ultrafine road dust was identified in an urban area of the Andes. Although many cities are dose to active volcanoes, few studies have evaluated their influence in road dust composition. Air quality in urban areas is significantly affected by nonexhaust emissions (e.g. road dust, brake wear, tire wear), however, natural sources such as volcanoes also impact the chemical composition of the particles. In this study, elements from volcanic emissions such as Si > Al > Fe > Ca > K > Mg, and Si-Al with K were identified as complex hydrates. Similarly, As, Hg, Cd, As, H, Cd, Pb, V. and salammoniac were observed in nanoparticles and ultrafine material. Mineral composition was detected in the order of quartz> mullite> calcite> kaolinite> illite> goethite> magnetite> zircon> monazite, in addition to salammoniac, a tracer of volcanic sources. The foregoing analysis reflects the importance of carrying out more studies relating the influence of volcanic emissions in road dust in order to protect human health. The road dust load (RD10) ranged between 0.8 and 26.8 mg m(-2) in the city. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

The study identifies the influence of emissions from an active volcano on the composition of nanoparticles and ultrafine road dust in an urban area, highlighting the need for further research to protect human health. The complex hydrates and mineral composition elements from volcanic emissions were found in the particles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the impact of volcanic emissions on road dust.