SPECIMEN (SPeciation, EC/OC, Ions, MEtal and Number size distribution)
Partnership: Uantwerpen, ISSeP
Research budget: €900,000
Research period: 36 months
Programme: own funds (Moerman)
Context
In case of a high concentration of fine dusts (PM10/PM2.5), it is useful to be able to determine the composition of the dust. In addition to the possibility of determining the origin of certain pollution, this can also determine the pathogenic character of the dusts present. In fact, some dusts are not very toxic (e.g. sea salt) while some components are very toxic (e.g. soot coated in HAP). Chemical speciation and corresponding mass balances are used to target reduction actions and to focus on those having the biggest impact on health. This also highlights certain actions (e.g. low emission zones for vehicles) which have a significant impact in terms of public health although they only have a very limited effect on total dust mass (PM10/PM2.5) measured.
Objectives
Dust will be collected from 4 different sites (industrial, traffic, urban, rural) for a whole year. The following analytes will be sought: elementary chemical composition, metals, anions and cations, carbon (BC. EC/OC).