Chemical characteristics of aerosols at coastal station in Hong Kong. I. Seasonal variation of major ions, halogens and mineral dusts between 1995 and 1996

Z. L. Cheng, Ka Se Lam, L. Y. Chan, Tao Wang, K. K. Cheng

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

160 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aerosols samples (total suspended particulate 'TSP' and PM10particulate) were collected at coastal monitoring station in Hong Kong between 1995 and 1996. They were analyzed to investigate the seasonal cycle among major ions (Na+, NH4+-N, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, NO3-, and SO42-), halogen elements (Br, I) and mineral dusts. The concentration of major ions showed a summer minimum and a winter maximum in a coastal region of Hong Kong. Halogen (Br, I) and dust concentrations exhibited a very similar variation. From the molar equivalence of Na+and Cl-, it was found that the Cl-in TSP or PM10was deviated from sea-salt (NaCl) component. Bromine (Br) in aerosols evidently originated from marine source but iodine (I) in aerosols may have been generated from natural and anthropogenic sources including possible biomass emission. The ratios of nonsea-salt sulfate (nss-SO42-) to nitrate (NO3-) and trace elements (As, Sb, Se, Pb, V and Zn) were used to explain the different pollution emissions.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2771-2783
Number of pages13
JournalAtmospheric Environment
Volume34
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2000

Keywords

  • Dust
  • Nonsea-salt sulfate
  • PM 10
  • Trace elements
  • TSP

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Environmental Science
  • Atmospheric Science

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