Atmospheric PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 μm) consists of both fine particles (PM2.5; particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 μm) and coarse particles (PM10-2.5; particulate matter with a diameter between 2.5 and 10 μm). Both PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 have adverse effects on human health, and can considerably affect climate as well as the fate and transport of pesticides. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal patterns of observed PM10-2.5 and PM2.5 concentrations in the United States and used the information to assess the impacts of various sources such as agriculture, traffic, and quarry. We found that PM10-2.5 and PM2.5 have very different spatial patterns, and the highest concentrations of each occur at different sites across the country. Therefore, the relative importance of contributions of PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 concentrations to PM10 concentrations varies by location. Poor correlations were generally found between PM10-2.5 and PM2.5, suggesting that PM10-2.5 and PM2.5 are generally influenced by different sources. Significant PM emissions can be caused by agricultural activities (planting and harvest), urban traffic, quarry, and wildfires; temporal patterns of PM10-2.5 and PM2.5 are significantly influenced by the relative importance of these sources.

Spatial and temporal patterns of coarse and fine particulate matter in the Unites States: Influences from different sources

254th National Meeting (2017)

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