Mobile Measurement of PM_2.5 Based on an Individual in Ulaanbaatar City

• Main Authors: Ariundelger Ariunsaikhan, Sonomdagva Chonokhuu, Yutaka Matsumi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-04-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: PM_2.5; mobile measurements; personal exposure; dose; micro environments
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/8/2701
• ISSN: 1661-7827; 1660-4601

In the present study, we measured fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on the daily route of our study participant in order to determine her exposure and dose of PM_2.5 in every microenvironment (ME). The measuring instrument, created by Nagoya University and Panasonic Corporation, Japan, was carried close to the breathing zone most of the time. Each data point was collected for 10–30 s or 2–6 cycles/min for 24 h from 1 October 2018 to 30 December 2018. Public transportation showed the highest level of PM_2.5 compared with other MEs, including residence apartments, houses (ger district), the National University of Mongolia (NUM), food courts or restaurants, and other indoor locations. The personal daily average exposure to PM_2.5 was 35 µg/m³ on 4 November 2018; on the other hand, this value was evaluated as the highest level of exposure compared to other measurement days. Interestingly, the study participant‘s exposure and dose of PM_2.5 was lower than those stated in the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines, with 25 µg/m³ from 4:00 to 7:00.