Particulate Nitrosamines and Nitramines in Seoul and Their Major Sources: Primary Emission versus Secondary Formation

Seven nitrosamines and three nitramines in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 mu m (PM2.5) collected in 2018 in Seoul, South Korea, were quantified. Annual mean concentrations of the sum of nitrosamines and nitramines were 9.81 +/- 18.51 and 1.12 +/- 0.70 ng/m(3), respectively, and nitrosodi-methylamine (NDMA) and dimethyl-nitramine (DMN) comprised the largest portion of nitrosamines and nitramines, respectively. Statistical analyses such as nonparametric correlation analysis, positive matrix factorization, analysis of covariance, and orthogonal partial least squared discrimination analysis were carried out to identify contribution of the atmospheric reactions in producing NDMA and DMN. In addition, kinetic calculation using reaction information obtained from the previous chamber studies was performed to estimate concentrations of NDMA and DMN that might be produced from the atmospheric reactions. It was concluded that (1) the atmospheric reactions contributed to the concentrations of NDMA more than they did for those of DMN, (2) the contribution of atmospheric reactions to the concentrations of NDMA and DMN was significant due to high NO(2 )concentrations in winter, and (3) primary emissions predominantly affected the ambient concentrations of NDMA and DMN in spring, summer, and autumn.

Automated summary

The study identified seven nitrosamines and three nitramines in PM2.5 collected in Seoul, South Korea, with NDMA and DMN being the most prominent. Atmospheric reactions contributed more to NDMA concentrations than to DMN, especially in winter with high NO(2) levels. Emissions played a significant role in NDMA and DMN concentrations in spring, summer, and autumn.