Particulate Matter as a Giant Fraction of Fossil Fuel in Urbanized Areas

Abstract

Fossil fuel injects particulate matter into a clean environment which has diverse effects on the biosphere. It is the cry of the masses which stimulates investigation of the local ambient environment for Particulate Matter (PM) and its sources. The purpose has been achieved by using versatile techniques such as Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI™) for collection, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometry for characterization by Size Mass Concentration, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy techniques were utilized to identify and quantify different PM in the study area. The urban territories (different locations of Okara) were found contaminated with coarse, fine, and ultra-fine Particulate matter because of local industries and vehicular emissions. Coarse particles (PM₁₀) of size 3.2 µm and 10 µm, fine particles (PM_2.5) and Ultra-fine particles (0.056 µm) were quantified around 8 ?g/m³, 10 ?g/m³ and 25 ?g/m³ respectively. The obtained results could be linked with the widespread use of low-quality fossil fuels and the increased number of vehicles. The ultimate solution to the prevailing scenario can be in hand by switching over to renewable energies such as solar, hydrogen, and wind.