Overview of Sources and Characteristics of Nanoparticles in Urban Traffic-Influenced Areas

Topi Rönkkö, Hilkka Timonen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

95 Citations (Scopus)
67 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Atmospheric nanoparticles can be formed either via nucleation in atmosphere or be directly emitted to the atmosphere. In urban areas, several combustion sources (engines, biomass burning, power generation plants) are directly emitting nanoparticles to the atmosphere and, in addition, the gaseous emissions from the same sources can participate to atmospheric nanoparticle formation. This article focuses on the sources and formation of nanoparticles in traffic-influenced environments and reviews current knowledge on composition and characteristics of these nanoparticles. In general, elevated number concentrations of nanoparticles are very typically observed in traffic-influenced environments. Traffic related nanoparticles can originate from combustion process or from non-exhaust related sources such as brake wear. Particles originating from combustion process can be divided to three different sources; 1) primary nanoparticles formed in high temperature, 2) delayed primary particles formed as gaseous compounds nucleate during the cooling and dilution process and 3) secondary nanoparticles formed from gaseous precursors via the atmospheric photochemistry. The nanoparticles observed in roadside environment are a complex mixture of particles from several sources affected by atmospheric processing, local co-pollutants and meteorology.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15-28
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Alzheimer's Disease
Volume72
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Air quality
  • nanoparticles
  • particle emissions
  • traffic

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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