Source Extraction Information from Air Quality Data Monitored in an Argentinean Steel Mill

Abstract

A statistical analysis of a series of ambient air concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and NO₂ is presented. Measurements were taken at four sites that belong to an Argentinean steel mill and in another site located in its vicinity. The air pollutants were measured during a three-week exploratory sampling. The monitoring sites were selected on the basis of relevant characteristics of the emission sources and the corresponding climatological statistics of the last decade.

Suspended particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm (PM₁₀) and NO₂ were continuously measured at only one site, while 1-hr samples of NO₂ and 24-hr samples of total SPM and SO₂ were collected at the other sites. The registered concentrations show that SPM was the pollutant of major concern. A first estimate about the nature of the contribution of the different sources of particles and NO₂ present in the area was obtained through the statistical analysis of measured concentration data coupled with prevalent meteorological variables.