A study of dust airborne particles collected by vehicular traffic from the atmosphere of southern megalopolis Mexico City

Abstract

This study was made to assess airborne dust by sampling particles trapped in car air filters (CAFs) of Mexico City. The CAFs dust was analyzed by optical microscopy and SEM-EDX. The optical microscopy revealed that the dust contains organic matter; insect and plant debris and inorganic matter; quartz sand, plastics and polystyrene. This material was classified in different sizes (from 10 µm to 76 µm). Particulate matter (PM) trapped within the filter fiber arrangements were observed by SEM-EDX. PM of Mexico City was characterized as mainly agglomerated particles and fine particles. Agglomerates were mechanically disintegrated and main components were determined finding elements such as C, O, Si, Al, Ca and Fe. An impaction test was implemented to have insights into how agglomerates probably hit the filter surface, disintegrate and reintegrate other agglomerates. Pollen particles were frequently associated with agglomerated PM; its composition was analyzed, finding Pt on its surface among others. Likewise, the insect debris presented plenty of PM adhered to its surface. This work validates that CAFs are a simple, cheap and adequate sampling approach for further urban air quality evaluations.

In-Depth Analysis of Physicochemical Properties of Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) and Its Characterization through FTIR, XRD and SEM–EDX Techniques in the Foothills of the Hindu Kush Region of Northern Pakistan

“…For the elemental characterization of PM particles, each individual particle was scanned by electron beam and EDX spectra were obtained. From the obtained spectra, the identification of different peaks was made and peak intensities were obtained using a computer program, and afterward the percentage of weight was determined [41][42][43]. The PM sample was gold-coated and the gold data of EDX was of no use, so it was manually subtracted at the assessment of EDX spectra.…”

The Use of «sectioning» Method in Analysis of Disperse Structure of Dust of the Urban Environment

“…Так, учеными Мехико были проанализированы частицы пыли, которые попали в воздушные фильтры Clean Air Filter (CAF) [2]. Таким образом, были проанализированы твердые частицы (ТЧ), уловленные внутри фильтрующих волокон.…”

Assessment of Bioaerosols and Metal Contaminants in Car Cabin Filters Dust of Lahore, Pakistan

“…Air pollution is an emerging problem caused primarily by industrial and vehicular emissions [1] rapid urbanization, cooking, and heating [2,3]. The situation of air pollution in the Asian continent is adverse as most of the polluted cities in the world are in South Asia.…”

“…Furthermore, it also deteriorates air quality, our environment, and the ecosystem [13][14][15]. In the atmosphere, many forms of dust particles exist such as visible grains of sand, dust and sub-micron aerosols [3]. Different sources emit different types of dust and chemical pollutants into the air where its chemical composition is further affected by existing pollutants and their transformation products.…”