Effects of trajectory wind direction on ion concentration of PM10.

OBJECTIVE To study the characterization apportionment of main ion concentrations of PM10 under the influence of trajectory wind direction in London. METHODS PM10 samples from 1 May 1995 to 30 October 1995 of Oxford Street of Central London were collected, the metals and anions of which were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and ion chromatography (IC). Composite trajectories representative of the air mass arriving in London at the same period were calculated based on basic routine back trajectories from the British Atmospheric Data Centre (BADC). RESULTS Concentration apportionments of main ions were similar when the trajectory was plotted back at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h, some were obviously different. Mg, Ba, Pb, and Cu had similar peak apportionments at the area 180 degrees-320 degrees, but Zn and Ni at the area of 90 degrees-270 degrees, NO3 and SO4(2-) at the area of 100 degrees-220 degrees. Cl- concentration peak apportionment was at the area of 220 degrees-300 degrees, which showed that Cl- mainly came from the North Sea. CONCLUSION Trajectory wind direction has important effect on ion concentration apportionment of PM10 in London. The ions have similar concentration peak apportionments or their correlation coefficients are statistically significant.