Abstract View
Morphometric Study of Varied Particle Size Fractions in Different Socio-Economic Urban Microenvironments of Northern India
HIMANSHI ROHRA, Atar Singh Pipal, Ajay Taneja, Gursumeeran Satsangi, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
Abstract Number: 311
Working Group: Aerosol Exposure
Abstract
Application of field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (FESEM-EDX) was done to study the morphological characterization and elemental microanalysis of individual particles varied with distinct indoor micro-environments i.e., HIG, MIG and LIG. Particle dynamics investigation revealed a double modal pattern of distribution (0.25-0.5µm and 0.5-1.0 µm) in quasi-accumulation range. Tar balls (TB), soot particles and dust particles were extracted in observation from SEM images and surface elemental composition. Further study of shape descriptor parameters revealed particles to be non-uniform (circularity=0.6-0.7 and Aspect Ratio (AR): 1.5-1.9). Sphericity=1.0-2.9 inferred deviation of shape in microenvironments. Roundedness (RD)= 0.2-0.9 inferred variation of particle shape from perfect sphere to irregular. RD and AR varied in inverse and direct proportion with DAeq (Area equivalent diameter) suggesting elongation of particles with higher DAeq. Nevertheless, more spherical particles (soot and TB) were found in HIG than LIG and MIG. EDX spectra revealed Fe, K, Mg (crustal origin) were contained in PM0.5-0.25. Overall, findings imply that house type, fuel quality, kitchen type and social-economic conditions do strongly influence the morphology of particles in urban environments. Indoor air quality in LIG was significantly deteriorated with increased particle load (>25-40%) than MIG and HIG. The efforts paved in for better understanding of relationship between indoor microenvironments and human health will aid policy makers to design intervention policies for betterment of air quality in residential environments.