Seasonal factors influencing in chemical composition of total suspended particles at Pune, India

Abstract

A study on the chemical characterization of boundary layer aerosols is made based on the collection of TSP and size separated aerosol mass samples at Pune during March 2007-February 2008. This study will be helpful in simulating atmospheric processes responsible for aerosol development over Pune region and understanding its environmental implications related to radiation budget and climate. It is found that major fraction of Ca(2+) is locally generated by suspension of soil dust during all the seasons. During pre-monsoon season, coarse Mg(2+) is originated from the soil and the sea salt, whereas fine Mg(2+) is generated from the local biomass burning. Sizeable amount of SO(4)(2-) is emitted from local industrial and brick kiln's activities. Neutralization of NO(3)(-), generated both from biogenic and anthropogenic sources, is made by NH(3) gas generated mainly from anthropogenic sources. The data are further examined in terms of the factors specific to the individual seasons influencing physical and chemical characteristics of the boundary layer aerosols. The specific factors are: (a) Intense local convection during pre-monsoon season; (b) southwesterly wind flow and rainfall activity during monsoon season; and (c) Day time convection and occurrence of low level inversion during post-monsoon and winter seasons.