Metal-containing anthropogenic particles have been linked to negative health effects in epidemiological and toxicological studies. However, the chemical composition and physical properties of metal-containing particles emitted from different sources in urban environments is poorly understood, as is their spatial variability. This is the first such multi-year study of the physicochemical properties and spatial distribution of urban particles with single particle microscopy analysis. SEM-EDX elemental mapping and computer-controlled SEM were used to investigate iron-containing particles in Cleveland during summer 2008, summer 2009, and winter 2010. Mineral dust and fly ash were the most abundant iron-containing particles. Fly ash particles had the highest concentrations in the industrial Flats region and were mostly spherical. After transport their sphericity decreased, likely due to atmospheric processing associated with heterogeneous reactions. Heterogeneous chemistry of fly ash particles may lead to higher concentrations of bioavailable iron upon inhalation, which could lead to adverse health effects.

Single particle SEM-EDX analysis of iron-containing coarse particulate matter in an urban environment: Sources and distribution of iron within Cleveland, Ohio

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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