Chemical Characteristics and Oxidation Potential of PM1.0 at a Suburban Location in Metropolitan Area

Scientific analyses were carried out to investigate the characteristics of both ultra-fine (PM1.0) and fine particulate matters (PM2.5) based on chemical speciation collected at National Institute of Environmental Research in Incheon, Repulic of Korea. In this study, PM1.0 and PM2.5 mass were monitored using two betaray instruments simultaneously. Organic carbon, elemental carbon, water soluble ionic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed using carbon analyzer, ion chromatography, and gas chromatography, respectively. In addition, the oxidation potential using dithiothreitol were investigated to compare the level of toxicities in PM1.0 and PM2.5. As a result, although characteristics of major chemical components in PM1.0 and PM2.5 were similar, oxidation potential in PM1.0 were presented higher than that in PM2.5 due to organic compounds related to toxic compounds. This result will be able to investigate the health studies and policy strategies associated with PM1.0.