Magnetic studies and scanning electron microscopy — X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses of road sediments, soils and vehicle-derived emissions

Abstract

Human health and environmental problems related to particulate matter emission from vehicles has become a topic of research interest in recent years. These airborne particles can not only be directly inhaled, but are also present as suspended and deposited particles on paved areas and roadside soils. Here we report on magnetic studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and chemical analyses of vehicle-derived particles collected from both primary sources and as deposited particles on roads and soils. Preliminary results, recently published by the authors, have revealed that the magnetic signal of such particles is controlled by a magnetite-like phase with magnetic grain size ranging between 0.1 μm and 5 μm. An enrichment of some trace elements: Ba, Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb was also found. In this study we focus on SEM and EDS complementary studies of magnetic extracts. SEM observations showed small individual particles or spherulites, small aggregates in the form of chains or clusters, large aggregates of spherules, flake-like bodies, fibre-like particles, sheet-like particles, irregular debris and large particle agglomerates, i.e. a wide variety of shapes. Grain size distribution is also in agreement with magnetic grain size estimations. Additionally the following elements: and Pb were detected by EDS analysis.K e y w o r d s : atmospheric pollution, diesel/gas soot, magnetic proxies, PM vehicle emissions, wear particles

Traffic-Related Pollutants in Roadside Soils of Different Countries in Europe and Asia

“…The Gliwice samples had the lowest χ values (31×10 −8 m 3 kg −1 ) ( Table 1). Investigations of roadside soils conducted in different countries (e.g., Korea, Finland, Argentina, China) revealed similar or lower χ values (Kim et al 2009;Bućko et al 2010;Chaparro et al 2010;Lu et al 2011).…”

“…In addition, correlations between Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cr were observed. This metal group is usually associated with the anthropogenic sources and has previously been reported as traffic-related elements (Lin et al 2005;Chaparro et al 2010).…”

“…Car emissions also contain a significant fraction of magnetic particles (Hunt et al 1984;Flanders 1994;Olson and Skogerboe 1975;Hoffmann et al 1999;Goddu et al 2004;Gautam et al 2005;Sagnotti et al 2006Sagnotti et al , 2009Bućko et al 2010Bućko et al , 2011Chaparro et al 2010;Marie et al 2010;Jordanova et al 2014). Such particles come from abrasion and corrosion processes affecting metal parts, brake linings, tires, and road surfaces.…”

Assessing the Use of Magnetic Methods to Monitor Vertical Migration of Metal Pollutants in Soil

“…The SEM-EDS techniques are often used to provide detailed information on the morphology and composition of magnetic minerals in fly ashes (e.g., Blaha et al 2008) and in contaminated soils and sediments (e.g., Chaparro et al 2010;Jordanova et al 2004). This type of analysis was done to ensure that the enhanced magnetic signal could be attributed to the contaminant, rather than to natural processes or materials.…”

Magnetic properties of Tillandsia recurvata L. and its use for biomonitoring a Mexican metropolitan area

“…This fact makes it as an interesting recorder of magnetic pollutants. In addition, it is well-known that magnetic particles produced by pollution (industrial/urban) sources can act as host of heavy metals and other non-magnetic pollutants including them onto its crystalline structure or on its surface (e.g., Kukier et al, 2003;Chaparro et al, 2010). Therefore, magnetic measurements may be able to assess the adverse effects of anthropogenic activities over time.…”