Integrated manufacturing of REciclable multi-material COmposites for the TRANSport sector
Water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIs) in the aerosols from Central Asia via transboundary transport measured in Jimunai in 2020
Air pollution is a global issue that often transcends national borders, leading to disputes over environmental concerns and climate-mitigation responsibilities. Between March and July 2020, we collected aerosol samples in Jimunai, a town in western China neighboring Kazakhstan, to assess transboundary air pollution in the region. Our analysis focused on major water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIs), with Ca2+ and SO42? accounting for almost 60% of the total ion loading. The ratio of cations to anions was greater than one (1.33?±?0.27), indicating alkaline aerosols during the sampling period. Our results suggest that the pollutants measured were primarily sourced from Kazakhstan, as demonstrated by local meteorological data, air-mass trajectory analysis, and pollutant emission inventories in Kazakhstan. Correlation and primary component analysis indicated that NH4+ played an important role in neutralizing NO3? and SO42?, while Cl? was significantly depleted by the probable reaction HNO3??+?NaCl?=?HCl??+?NaNO3. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and regulation of air pollution sources in the region to address transboundary air pollution.
» Publication Date: 16/08/2023
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nº 768737
