Submicrometre particle size distribution from 0.1-0.45 μm in the urban plume of the city of Valladolid

Abstract

Particle size distribution in the urban plume of the city of Valladolid was measured with a laser spectrometer during a one-month sampling campaign carried out over the winter period. Experimental results of the number of particles covering the 0.10–0.12, 0.12–0.15, 0.15–0.20, 0.20–0.25, 0.25–0.35 and 0.35–0.45 μm ranges are presented. Using spectral analysis as a statistical technique, two 12 h and 24 h significant peaks are obtained for each size range. In order to interpret the meaning of both peaks, the hourly particle size, traffic and nitrogen oxide patterns are compared. The contribution of domestic heating, traffic exhaust emissions and the strong influence of the gas-to-particle conversion processes mainly within the 0.10–0.15 μm range, may be inferred.