Characterization of Aerosols Containing Zn, Pb, and Cl from an Industrial Region of Mexico City

Journal Article · Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2008 · Environmental Science & Technology, 42(19):7091-7097

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es7030483· OSTI ID:946644

Moffet, Ryan C; Desyaterik, Yury; Hopkins, Rebecca J; Tivanski, Alexei V; Gilles, Marry K; Wang, Yan A; Shutthanandan, V; Molina, Luisa T; Abraham, Rodrigo G; Johnson, Kirsten S; Mugica, Violeta; Molina, Mario J; Laskin, Alexander; Prather, Kimberly A

During the March, 2006 MILAGRO campaign, measurements in the Northern Mexico City Metropolitan Area revealed the frequent appearance of particles with a characteristically high content of internally mixed Zn, Pb, Cl, and P. A comprehensive study of the chemical and physical properties of these particles was performed using a complementary combination of aerosol measurement techniques. Individual particles were analyzed using Aerosol Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ATOFMS) and Computer Controlled Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (CCSEM/EDX). Proton Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) analysis of bulk aerosol samples provided time-resolved mass concentrations of individual elements. The PIXE measurements indicated that Zn is more strongly correlated with Cl than with any other element and that Zn concentrations are higher than other non-ferrous transition metals. The Zn- and Pb - containing particles have both spherical and non-spherical morphologies. Many metal rich particles had needle-like structures and were found to be composed of ZnO and/or Zn(NO₃)₂∙6H₂O as indicated by scanning transmission x-ray microscopy/near edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (STXM/NEXAFS). The Zn and Pb rich particles were primarily in the submicron size range and internally mixed with elemental carbon. The unique chemical associations most closely match signatures acquired for garbage incineration. This unique combination of complementary analytical techniques has allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of Zn- and Pb- containing particles in a complex urban environment, highlighting unique characteristics that give powerful insight into their origin.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab. (EMSL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 946644
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-58370; 19792; KP1205030; TRN: US0900988
• Journal Information: Environmental Science & Technology, 42(19):7091-7097, Vol. 42, Issue 19
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
AEROSOLS
CARBON
COMBUSTION
COMPUTERS
ELECTRONS
EVALUATION
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MEXICO
ORIGIN
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PROTONS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
URBAN AREAS
X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory