Characterization of atmospheric particulate and metallic elements at Taichung Harbor near Taiwan Strait during 2004–2005

Air aerosol samples for TSP (total suspended particulate), coarse particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter 2.5–10 μm, PM2.5–10), fine particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter <2.5 μm, PM2.5) and metallic elements were collected during March 2004 to January 2005 at TH (Taichung Harbor) in central Taiwan. The seasonal variation average concentration of TSP (total suspended particulate), coarse particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter 2.5–10 μm, PM2.5–10) and fine particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter <2.5 μm, PM2.5) were in the range 132–171.1 μg m−3 and 43–49.5 μg m−3, respectively. Seasonal variation of metallic elements Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe in the TSP (total suspended particulate) shows that higher concentration was observed during spring. Seasonal variation of metallic elements Pb, Cr and Mg in the TSP (total suspended particulate) shows that higher concentration was observed during winter. The average metallic element TSP (total suspended particulate) concentration order was Fe > Zn > Mg > Cu > Cr > Mn > Pb in spring. In addition, at the TH sampling site, the average concentration variation of TSP (total suspended particulate) displayed the following order: spring > winter > autumn > summer. However, the average concentration variation of coarse particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter 2.5–10 μm, PM2.5–10) displayed the following order: spring > winter > summer > autumn. Finally, the average concentration variations of fine particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter <2.5 μm, PM2.5) were in the following order: winter > spring > summer > autumn at the TH sample site.