Characteristics of PM10 Levels Monitored in Bangkok and Its Vicinity Areas, Thailand

Abstract

The ambient air concentrations of PM10 were observed in Bangkok and its vicinity areas including Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The selected study areas are located near heavy‐traffic roads with a high concentration of traffic‐related air pollution. The ambient air samples were collected in the winter season (October 2019 to February 2020). The highest average level of PM10 was found in Nonthaburi (66.63 μg/m3), followed by Bangkok (56.79 μg/m3) and Nakhon Pathom (40.18 μg/m3), respectively. The morphology of these particles is typically spherical and irregular shape particles. At the sampling site in Bangkok, these particles are primarily composed of C, O, and Si, and a certain amount of metals such as Fe, Cu, and Cr. Some trace amount of other elements such as Ca, Na, and S are present in minor concentration. The particles collected from Nakhon Pathom and Nonthaburi sampling sites contain the main abundant elements C, O, and Si, followed by Cu, Cr, S, Fe, Ca, and Na, respectively. These particles are an agglomeration of carbon particles resulting from the incomplete combustion of organic matter. Their origin may be associated with road dust, vehicle emission, and the erosion of building products. It can be noted that the levels and characteristics of PM10 are key factors in understanding the behavior of the particles in not only atmospheric visibility but also human health risks.