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International Journal of Environment Science and Technology
Center for Environment and Energy Research and Studies (CEERS)
ISSN: 1735-1472 EISSN: 1735-1472
Vol. 11, No. 3, 2014, pp. 657-670
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Bioline Code: st14065
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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International Journal of Environment Science and Technology, Vol. 11, No. 3, 2014, pp. 657-670
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Particulate matter source apportionment in Cairo: recent measurements and comparison with previous studies
Lowenthal, D. H.; Gertler, A. W. & Labib, M. W.
Abstract
This paper presents results of an atmospheric
particulate matter (PM) monitoring and source apportionment
study conducted during summer and fall 2010 in
Cairo. These results are compared to those of similar
studies in 1999 and 2002. Concentrations of PM2.5 and
PM10 mass and their chemical constituents were determined
and chemical mass balance modeling was conducted
to estimate the source contributions to ambient PM.
Emphasis was placed on characterizing the long-term
trends in atmospheric lead (Pb) concentrations and their
sources in Cairo. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were
highest during fall 1999 at four of the five study sites. This
was also the case for open (vegetative/trash) burning contributions,
which showed a smaller increase during fall
2010. Burning of agricultural waste after the fall harvest
continues to be a major source of PM in Cairo. Both PM2.5
and PM10 mass decreased dramatically at Shobra, an
industrial site, from 1999 to 2010. A reduction of lead
smelting has resulted in a decrease of ambient Pb concentrations
of up to two orders of magnitude from 1999 to
2010 at Shobra, El-Zamalek, and El-Qualaly. From 1999 to
2010, the mobile source contribution has been relatively
stable at most of the study sites. Future efforts to reduce
ambient PM should focus on controlling emissions from
motor vehicles and open burning and implementing
mitigation strategies for reducing resuspended road and
construction dust.
Keywords
Cairo; Particulate matter; Source apportionment; Lead smelter
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