Atmospheric iron particles in PM2.5 from a subway station, Beijing, China

Particulate matter pollution in the subway station's atmosphere can seriously influence air quality and impacts on health of workers commuters. In this study, PM2.5 samples were collected from different locations within a station Beijing, individual particles analyzed for morphology composition by Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (TEM-EDX). The results showed that concentration stations was affected both indoor outdoor sources. Particles generated train-related sources such as resuspension, wheel, rail, brake collector shoe abrasion significant source airborne atmosphere. Within PM2.5, Fe dominant element, detected more than 75% all analyzed. Fe-rich identified railway carriages (79.4%), concourse (65.3%), platforms (61.3%). geometric mean diameter 0.34 μm, which smaller particles. Cr, Mn other metals often particles, reflecting metal alloys used wheels tracks. A better understanding particle distribution around areas system physicochemical characteristics these is critical developing meaningful assessment risk posed