Studies of Atmospheric PM2.5 and its Inorganic Water Soluble Ions and Trace Elements around Southeast Asia: a Review

Air pollution is a worldwide issue that is mainly caused from excessive inhalation of hazardous PM2.5 pollutant that is emitted into the air. The objective of this study is to assess the fundamental knowledge revolving PM2.5 (particles aerodynamic diameter of lower than or equal to 2.5 mu m) and its inorganic composition in ambient air of urban areas, mainly in Malaysia in comparison to other Southeast Asia countries. This research also investigates the theory of particle number concentration (PNC) with PM2.5, also the health effects and origins of the emissions. The factors affecting the PM2.5 mass include the local emission, El Nino phenomenon, land, meteorological effects, monsoons, rainfall events, sea breeze, transboundary pollution and seasonal changes. 24 h mean PM2.5 mass concentration for metropolitan regions in the SEA is in the range of 11 mu gm(-3) and 72.3 mu gm(-3), while between 5.30 mu gm(-3) and 55.89 mu gm(-3) for semi-urban zones. For rural area, the 24 h mean PM2.5 value is about 30 mu gm(-3). The findings indicate that metals in PM2.5 emission are frequently Pb, Se, Zn, Cd, As, Bi, Ba, Cu, Rb, V, Ni, Fe, Ca, Mn, Cr, Al, Si and K, where Zn has the uppermost range of 133.50 to 419.30 ngm(-3) while the major water-soluble ions exist are NH4+, K+, Ca2+, Na+, in which Na+, NH4+ and Cl- are present in aged sea salt and mixed industrial, Ca2+ and Mg2+ present in mineral dust, NH4+, K+ and SO42- present in mixture of SIA and biomass burning. There is a high correlation between the particle mass concentration and PNC level, especially the ones in accumulation mode (PNC0.1-1.0) which are mostly originated from the emission of heavy traffic streets.

Automated summary

Air pollution caused by PM2.5 emissions is a global issue. This study examines the fundamental knowledge and inorganic composition of PM2.5 in urban areas and compares the findings in Malaysia to other Southeast Asia countries. Results show a correlation between particle mass concentration and particle number concentration levels.