Determination of atmospheric nitrate particulate size distribution and dry deposition velocity for three distinct areas

In this study, both atmospheric particulates and dry deposited particulates were collected at a highway intersection, coastal location and suburban area in Taichung, Taiwan for the characterization of nitrate containing particulates (NCPs) in size distribution and dynamic properties. Collected particulates were placed in contact with nitron (C20H16N4) to form distinctive products of NCPs, which were examined by a SEM. For total atmospheric particulates, the sum of NCP and non-nitrate containing particulate (NNCP), the average shape factor values are 1.69, 1.49, and 1.36 for the highway intersection, coastal area and suburban area, respectively. The calculated shape factors show no significant differences with sizes. Dry deposition fluxes and atmospheric concentrations at various size ranges were estimated. The mass distributed in fine particle range (⩽2.5 μm) were 45%, 40%, and 43% for NCP at the highway intersection, coastal, and suburban areas, respectively. The average dry deposition velocities (Vds) of total particulate are 2.5, 1.5, and 1.2 cm s−1 for highway intersection, coastal area, and suburban area, respectively. The highest Vd was observed from samples taken at highway intersection, suggesting that dust resuspension and particulates from vehicles in the ambient air is of great significance. The Vds of total particulates range over three orders of magnitude for size ranges from 0.32 to 18 μm. The value of Vd increases with the diameter of particles significantly.