Ionic Composition of Particulate Matter across Canada Shows Evidence for Near-Ubiquitous Chloride Activation and Sulfate Neutralization.

ABSTRACT: Using publicly available data from the National Air Pollution Surveillance Program, water-soluble ion mole fractions in PM_2.5 and PM_2.5-10 were extracted for 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2015 at six locations across Canada. Fine particle ion content was dominated by ammonium sulfate, with ammonium to sulfate ratios largely approaching 2 and no seasonal or geographic trends. Sulfate and nitrate mole fractions were negatively correlated in the fine particles, consistent with their expected pathways of entry into PM_2.5. Coarse particle composition varied depending on location and season. Coastal stations were dominated by sodium and chloride year-round while inland stations showed high amounts of these ions only during the colder months, where road salt is often appl

SUBMITTER: McLay EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10026722 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature