Chemical analysis and source apportionment of air pollutants in a remote area of ulaanbaatar, mongolia
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Date
2024-05-27
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German Mongolian Institute for Resouce and Technology
Abstract
Air pollution in Mongolia, particularly in Ulaanbaatar and remote areas, has been an urgent concern due to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants.
This thesis investigates the chemical composition and source apportionment of air pollutants in Nalaikh. Air sampling was conducted using high-volume air samplers and filters analyzed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ion chromatography (IC). The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model identified three major sources: crustal matter, coal combustion, and an industrial source (factor 1).
Crustal matter, comprising elements like Ca and Al, accounted for 49.9% of the total pollution due to frequent dust storms and resuspension of soil dust. Coal combustion contributed 36.6%, marked by high levels of sulfur (S) and lead (Pb) due to extensive coal usage for heating. The industrial source, which made up 13.5% of the pollution, was identified based on elevated levels of Cr, Ni, and Cu, although no significant industrial activity exists in Nalaikh. There is a lack of comprehensive research on air pollution in Ulaanbaatar's remote areas like Nalaikh. This study will help address critical gaps in understanding pollution sources and composition in the region, emphasizing the necessity of emission control policies to protect both human and environmental health.