Partitioning of trace elements and metals between quasi-ultrafine, accumulation and coarse aerosols in indoor and outdoor air in schools

Particle size distribution patterns of trace elements and metals across three size fractions (<0.25 μm, quasi-ultrafine particles, q-UF; 0.25–2.5 μm, accumulation particles; 2.5–10 μm, coarse particles) were analysed in indoor and outdoor air at 39 primary schools across Barcelona (Spain). Sp...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Viana, Maria Carmen, Rivas, Ioar, Querol, Xavier, Alastuey, Andrés, Álvarez Pedrerol, Mar, Bouso, Laura, Sioutas, Constantinos, Sunyer Deu, Jordi
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2015
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:10230/26115
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10230/26115
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2014.07.027
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Aire -- Contaminació
Infants -- Desenvolupament
Infiltration
Sources
Metals and elements
Ultrafine particles
UFP
PM0.25
Descripción
Sumario:Particle size distribution patterns of trace elements and metals across three size fractions (<0.25 μm, quasi-ultrafine particles, q-UF; 0.25–2.5 μm, accumulation particles; 2.5–10 μm, coarse particles) were analysed in indoor and outdoor air at 39 primary schools across Barcelona (Spain). Special attention was paid to emission sources in each particle size range. Results evidenced the presence in q-UF particles of high proportions of elements typically found in coarse PM (Ca, Al, Fe, Mn or Na), as well as several potentially health-hazardous metals (Mn, Cu, Sn, V, Pb). Modal shifts (e.g., from accumulation to coarse or q-UF particles) were detected when particles infiltrated indoors, mainly for secondary inorganic aerosols. Our results indicate that the location of schools in heavily trafficked areas increases the abundance of q-UF particles, which infiltrate indoors quite effectively, and thus may impact children exposure to these health-hazardous particles.