Identification of Possible Dust Storm Sources in Tehran (2016-2017): Physical and Chemical Characteristics

• Main Authors: Farzaneh Jajarmi, Ahmad Jonidi Jafari, Majid Kermani, Mitra Gholami
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Arak Medical University 2019-04-01
• Series: Majallah-i dānishgāh-i ̒ulūm-i pizishkī-i Arāk
• Subjects: Dust; Enrichment factor; Heavy metals; Particulate matter; Principal component analysis
• Online Access: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-5816-en.html

Background and Aim: Dust was considered by researchers as one of the most important forms of air pollution. The aim of this study was to identify the physical and chemical characteristics of dust storm sources in Tehran. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in selected air sampling stations of Tehran, in the days of dust and ordinary from January 2016 for one year. The concentration of dust particles was determined by gravimetric. Heavy metal concentrations in samples after digestion were determined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS-GF). Mineralogy and morphology of the dust fall particles were inspected using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy and sources particles using Enrichment Factor Analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. For statistical analysis, R software was used. Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.IUMS.REC.1397.313 has been approved by research ethics committee at Iran University of Medical Sciences. Findngs: The highest average particle concentration in normal days was related to the central station (122.63 µg / m3), and the lowest for the East Station (67.13 µg / m3). The highest concentrations of the elements measured in the particles are related to iron and aluminum and the lowest concentrations of chromium and nickel. Lowest amount of Enrichment Factor was obtained for iron, less than one. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the concentration of dust in center was higher than other station. Natural and human resources both play a significant role in the release of metals. By conducting further studies on the source of dust in Tehran and using the results, effective control measures can be designed and implemented.