Determination of atmospheric aerosol components in an urban area to evaluate the air quality and identify the sources of contamination

The need to generate objective evidence and reliable information for decision makers to improve environmental policies for a better air quality, led us to evaluate the atmospheric aerosol components in the urban area of Carabayllo, by monitoring PM2.5 and PM10 to determine mass concentration and analyzing PM10 using k(0)-INAA and ICP-MS for metals quantification, ion chromatography for anions and the NIOSH method to determine organic and elemental carbon. The results obtained from mass concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded the permissible breathing annual average of WHO guidelines of 15 mu gm(-3) and 45 mu gm(-3), respectively, which evidence an unhealthy air quality. Likewise, using the model Positive Matrix Factorization five sources of pollutants were defined: metallurgical industry, sea salt, industrial activity, dust and non-exhaust emissions and vehicle emissions.

Automated summary

In order to improve environmental policies for better air quality, it was necessary to generate objective evidence and reliable information for decision makers. Therefore, the atmospheric aerosol components in the urban area of Carabayllo were evaluated by monitoring PM2.5 and PM10, determining mass concentration, analyzing PM10 for metals quantification, analyzing anions using ion chromatography, and determining organic and elemental carbon using the NIOSH method. The results showed that the mass concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded the WHO guidelines, indicating an unhealthy air quality. Additionally, the Positive Matrix Factorization model identified five sources of pollutants: metallurgical industry, sea salt, industrial activity, dust and non-exhaust emissions, and vehicle emissions.