Real-time sampling of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm from Amazon forest biomass combustion

Particle size distribution from forest biomass combustion is an important parameter as it affects air quality, global climate and human health. There have been several studies that relate emission of 2.5–10 μm particulates and their effects on human health. The objective of this study was to sample particulates smaller than 2.5 μm from Amazon forest biomass burning in laboratory and field experiments. Sampling was carried out using three instruments: two DataRAM 4 (model DR 4000) and a Cascade Impactor. Isokinetic probes were used for sampling in the stacks, and an omnidirectional instrument was used for field sampling. The field experiment was conducted in a 4 ha Amazon forest test site in the state of Acre, in Brazil. Ignition, flaming and smoldering combustion phases were analyzed. Results were obtained in terms of particle size distribution and concentration. Comparison of laboratory and field experiments showed that particle size distributions were similar in both cases. Particle sizes obtained in the laboratory ranged from 0.05 to 0.8 μm; in the field experiment, sizes varied from 0.03 to 0.3 μm. Average concentrations in the laboratory and in the field were 185 mg m−3 and 350 mg m−3, respectively. It is important to emphasize that those results were obtained throughout the burning process and the diameters sampled were smaller than 2.5 μm.

► Real-time sampling of PM2.5 from Amazon biomass combustion.
► Determination of PM2.5 concentration in laboratory and open field fires.
► Combustion behavior under flaming and smoldering was analyzed.
► Laboratory results agreed with field results.