Identification and Chemical Characterization of Industrial Particulate Matter Sources in Southwest Spain

Abstract

A detailed physical and chemical characterization of coarse particulate matter (PM₁₀) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) in the city of Huelva (in Southwestern Spain) was carried out during 2001 and 2002. To identify the major emission sources with a significant influence on PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, a methodology was developed based on the combination of: (1) real-time measurements of levels of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and very fine particulate matter (PM₁); (2) chemical characterization and source apportionment analysis of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5; and (3) intensive measurements in field campaigns to characterize the emission plumes of several point sources. Annual means of 37, 19, and 16 μg/m³ were obtained for the study period for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁, respectively. High PM episodes, characterized by a very fine grain size distribution, are frequently detected in Huelva mainly in the winter as the result of the impact of the industrial emission plumes on the city. Chemical analysis showed that PM at Huelva is characterized by high PO₄ ³⁻ and As levels, as expected from the industrial activities. Source apportionment analyses identified a crustal source (36% of PM₁₀ and 31% of PM_2.5); a traffic-related source (33% of PM₁₀ and 29% of PM_2.5), and a marine aerosol contribution (only in PM₁₀, 4%). In addition, two industrial emission sources were identified in PM₁₀and PM_2.5: (1) a petrochemical source, 13% in PM₁₀ and 8% in PM_2.5; and (2) a mixed metallurgical-phosphate source, which accounts for 11–12% of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5. In PM_2.5 a secondary source has been also identified, which contributed to 17% of the mass. A complete characterization of industrial emission plumes during their impact on the ground allowed for the identification of tracer species for specific point sources, such as petrochemical, metallurgic, and fertilizer and phosphate production industries.