Mass Concentrations and Elemental Compositions of PM10 in Duzce, Turkey

In this study, mass concentrations and elemental compositions of PM10 were determined in the Duzce atmosphere. The Duzce province is located in north-western of Turkey. Two sampling campaigns were performed between 28 January and 25 March 2015 and between 22 June 2015 to 16 August 2015 to evaluate differences between summer and winter concentrations of pollutants. Concurrent measurements were carried out in the city center and the University Campus that has semi-urban property. PM10 sampling was performed by high-volume air samplers. Average PM10 mass concentration measured at urban station was 85.67 µg/m3 and 53.16 µg/m3 respectively winter and summer, while it was measured as 27.13 µg/m3 and 34.70 µg/m3 at semi-urban station. Seasonal variations of PM10 concentration in the urban station showed significant differences in winter than in summer. Higher PM10 concentrations were measured at an urban location often exceeding the limit values of 50 µg/m3 in winter. In this study the relationship between particulate matter concentration and meteorological variables such as wind direction, wind speed and rainfall was investigated and it was found that meteorological factors have significant effects on the measured particulate matter (PM) mass concentrations. PM mass collected on quartz fiber filters were digested in acid mixture and analyzed with ICPMS. Concentrations of elements, Al, Fe, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Pb and Bi were determined in daily collected filters. Trace element concentrations measured at an urban station which is close to major sources such as traffic and domestic heating were found higher than semi-urban station.