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Respirable and Fine Suspended Particles (PM10 and PM2.5)

In Hong Kong, the ambient particulate matters (PM) are contributed mainly by the regional sources. Combustion sources, in particular diesel vehicle exhaust and emissions from power plants, are the major local sources of PM. Besides, fine particulates can be formed by atmospheric oxidation of SO2 and NOx. Although to a lesser extent, crustal dust and marine aerosols are also sources of PM.
PM with particle sizes less than 10 microns, which are known as respirable suspended particulates or PM10. For those particles with particle sizes of 2.5 microns or less, which are commonly referred to as fine suspended particles or PM2.5.
Depending on their sources and the existing meteorological conditions, RSP can be made up of a number of different constituents.
Particulates constituents
The RSP consists of a number of components, including salts (such as nitrates, sulphates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. Organic chemicals and sulphates are the main contributor to the RSP mass concentrations. A number of constituents of RSP and their sources are given in the table below.

Chemical constituent

Source

Silicon, aluminum, calcium, manganese and iron

Soil/crystal and construction activities

Vanadium and nickel

Oil fired combustion

Cadmium and hydrocarbons

Incineration

Carbon, lead, bromine and hydrocarbons

Vehicle emissions

Sodium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium

Marine aerosols

Nitrates, sulphates and ammonium

Secondary pollutant formation


Other chemicals in RSP that are tested by the EPD are barium, copper, zice, beryllium, mercury, chromium, arsenic and selenium.

Last revision date: 21:06 28-03-2024