Deposition measurement of particulate matter in connection with corrosion studies

Abstract

A new passive particle collector (inert surrogate surface) that collects particles from all directions has been developed. It was used to measure particle deposition at 35 test sites as part of a project that examined corrosion of materials in order that variation in particulate material could be used in development of dose-response functions in a modern multi-pollutant environment. The project, MULTI-ASSESS, was funded by the EU to examine the effects of air pollution on cultural heritage. Passive samplers were mounted rain-protected, and both in wind-protected and wind-exposed positions, to match the exposure of the samples for corrosion studies. The particle mass and its chemical content (nitrate, ammonium, sulfate, calcium, sodium, chloride, magnesium and potassium) were analysed. The loss of light reflectance on the surrogate surface was also measured. Very little ammonium and potassium was found, and one or more anions are missing in the ion balance. There were many strong correlations between the analysed species. The mass of analysed water-soluble ions was fairly constant at 24% of the total mass. The particle mass deposited to the samplers in the wind-protected position was about 25% of the particles deposited to an openly exposed sampler. The Cl-/Na+ ratios indicate a reaction between HNO(3) and NaCl. The deposited nitrate flux corresponds to the missing chloride. The Ca2+ deposition equals the SO4(2-) deposition and the anion deficiency. The SO4(2-) deposition most likely originates from SO2 that has reacted with basic calcium-containing particles either before or after they were deposited. The particle depositions at the urban sites were much higher than in nearby rural sites. The deposited mass correlated surprisingly well with the PM(10) concentration, except at sites very close to traffic.

The possible effect of dirtiness on structurally based ultraviolet plumage

“…The soiling and corrosive effects of particulate matter and the effect of nitric acid in urban areas in particular have been demonstrated (e.g. Ferm et al 2006). In urban areas soiling is a visible damage resulting from the darkening of exposed surfaces by the deposition of atmospheric particles (e.g.…”

Impacts of air pollution and climate on materials in Athens, Greece

“…Climatic parameters and air pollutants are of major significance in the deterioration of many materials used in buildings and cultural monuments (Ferm et al, , 2006Varotsos et al, 2009;Tzanis et al, 2009aTzanis et al, , 2011Tidblad et al, 2012). These pollutants are mainly emitted by industrial and agricultural activities as well as by the transport sector and, beyond their effects on human health and ecosystems, they contribute to the deterioration of cultural monuments both on the local scale and over long distances (Köhler et al, 2001;Ondov et al, 2006;Ebel et al, 2007;Tzanis et al, 2009b;Jacovides et al, 1994;Varotsos et al, , 2012Varotsos et al, , 2014Chattopadhyay et al, 2012;Krapivin and Shutko, 2012;Merlaud et al, 2012;Cracknell and Varotsos, 1994, 1995Xue et al, 2014;Monks et al, 2015;Efstathiou and Varotsos, 2010.…”

Geospatial and Geostatistical Analyses of Particulate Matter (PM₁₀) Concentrations in Imo State, Nigeria

“…Atmospheric particulates, due to their considerable environmental significance pose serious threat clean air and environmental health, the basic requirements of human existence [18,19]. Pollution of the atmospheric environment by particulate pollutants has been linked to numerous health concerns which can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular diseases [20 -24], reduction in growth of plant and yield [25], distortion and reduction of visibility [26,27], including deformation of the esthetic and natural beauty of the environment [28]. The level of atmospheric pollution could vary due to changes with different locations and time resulting from changes in meteorological and topographical conditions.…”