Aerosol composition change due to dust storm: Measurements between 1992 and 1999 at Gosan, Korea

Abstract

Aerosol composition change between dust storm and non dust storm periods is studied using the TSP (Total Suspended Particulate) data measured at Gosan, Korea between 1992 and 1999. The concentrations of elements measured between 1993 and 1996 and those of ions between 1992 and 1999 during dust storms are compared with those during non-dust storm periods in spring (March, April, and May). Among the analyzed ions, the concentrations of crustal species (potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride) and anthropogenic species (nitrate and non-sea salt (nss)-sulfate) increased when dust storm occurs while those of ammonium and sodium did not increase. Among the analyzed elements, the concentrations of crustal species (Fe, Al, Ca, Ti, and Zn) increased when dust storm occurs while those of anthropogenic species (Mn, V, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Cr) did not increase. The only anthropogenic element of which concentration increased during dust storm periods was Pb. It was found that the concentrations of nitrate and nss-sulfate were highest during spring. Also, the ratio of the yearly average concentrations of nitrate to nss-sulfate increases, probably due to the emission trend change in northeast Asia, especially, in China. © 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.