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Characterization of particulate matter in the Apulia Region (South of Italy): features and critical episodes

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Abstract

The chemical composition of PM10 and PM2.5 samples collected during two seasonal monitoring campaigns at residential, urban and industrial Apulia Region- sites was investigated. Ionic fraction, carbonaceous compounds and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons were determined for all samples. High correlations among PM data collected in the investigated sites suggested the regional character of particulate matter. It was also confirmed by five days back trajectories analysis. Moreover, no significant seasonal trend in PM mass concentration was observed in the investigated sites. These results, relevant for the area under investigations, were not observed in the North of Italy and Europe and allow to conclude that PM10 and PM2.5 cannot be considered ‘good’ indicators for the evaluation of local anthropic contributions to air quality. On the contrary, the high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons found in Taranto sampling sites suggested that PAHs can be a better indicator for this purpose. This result is also relevant in order to weigh the importance of industrial area and to suggest right policy control to decision makers.

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Acknowledgments

We are very thankful to our master Professor Paolo Bruno, the coordinator of the Project SITECOS, for his high scientific contribution. His untimely death prevented us to keep on working with him.

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  1. Pierina Ielpo

    Present address: Water Research Institute - National Research Council, Via F. De Blasio, 5, I - 70123, Bari, Italy

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, 70126, Bari, Italy

    Martino Amodio, Eleonora Andriani, Maurizio Caselli, Paolo R. Dambruoso, Barbara E. Daresta, Gianluigi de Gennaro, Pierina Ielpo, Claudia M. Placentino & Maria Tutino

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  1. Martino Amodio
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Correspondence to Gianluigi de Gennaro.

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Amodio, M., Andriani, E., Caselli, M. et al. Characterization of particulate matter in the Apulia Region (South of Italy): features and critical episodes. J Atmos Chem 63, 203–220 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10874-010-9163-0

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