Contribution of seasalt and its degraded products to particulate loadings at inland sites in the hunter valley

Anthony Morrison*, David Cohen, Peter Nelson, Brendan Halliburton, John Carras, Eduard Stelcer

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

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    Abstract

    A year long study in the Hunter at two near-mine rural sites and at two rural town sites has examined possible sources for atmospheric particles. The sites sampled are in areas believed to be impacted by nearby significant open-cut coal mining operations. As well as measuring events of particulate matter concentrations a series of 443 filter samples were collected and chemically analysed using a multi-element ion beam analytical (IBA) technique. Filter samples were also examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and individual particles chemically analysed with electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The presence of seasalt particles in the Muswellbrook region has previously been noted and although all sampling sites are a significant distance from the Australian East Coast the current data show evidence of a substantial contribution of seasalt and its degraded products to the atmospheric particulate loading. The Na and Cl content of both the fine and coarse particles was found to be strongly related (as might be expected), although there is a significant Cl deficit when compared to the sea water from which the seasalt evolved. These Cl deficient salts have been observed previously and have been postulated to be due to the availability of strong S-acidity in the aerosol. This interpretation is strongly supported by the results of the present study, particularly the SEM and chemical analysis of individual particles.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProc. 14th International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA) World Congress 2007, 18th Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) Conf.
    EditorsDavid Doley
    Place of PublicationBrisbane
    PublisherIUAPPA ; CASANZ
    Pages1-5
    Number of pages5
    ISBN (Print)9780975757161
    Publication statusPublished - 2007
    EventProc. 14th International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA) World Congress 2007, 18th Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) Conf. - Brisbane, QLD, Australia
    Duration: 9 Sept 200713 Sept 2007

    Other

    OtherProc. 14th International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA) World Congress 2007, 18th Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) Conf.
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityBrisbane, QLD
    Period9/09/0713/09/07

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