울산시 미세먼지의 유해대기오염물질 오염 특성

Abstract

Recently, long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) from China is regarded as a major reason for elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) in Korea. However, local emissions also play an important role in PM pollution, especially in large-scale industrial cities. In this study, PM samples were collected at suburban, residential, and industrial sites in Ulsan, Korea. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals were analyzed, and a potential human health risk assessment was conducted. The concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in total suspended particles (TSP) increased during high PM10 episodes, and backward trajectory analysis verified the influence of LRAT from China during the high episodes. Furthermore, the concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in PM2.5 and PM10 at the industrial site were higher than those at the residential site. The risk assessment of PAHs and heavy metals in PM2.5 suggested no significant health effects. The highest levels of PAHs were measured in the particle size of 0.32~0.56 μm at the residential site, and those of heavy metals were detected in the particle size of 1.8~5.6 and >18 μm, reflecting different major emissions sources for both groups. On the basis of this preliminary study, we are planning long-term monitoring and modeling studies to quantitatively evaluate the influence of industrial activities on the PM pollution in Ulsan.