Urban aerosols

David Widory (1) , Philippe Négrel (1)

1 BRGM - Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM)

The origin of particles in the atmosphere has long been subject to debate. The problem is more critical yet in urban areas, due to their negative impacts on public health. Recently, isotope tools have proved their great added value for unambiguously deciphering the origin of particles (both PM2.5 and PM10), which could help to better design management plans for reducing aerosol levels in the atmosphere. A review of several isotope systems shows that they may certainly aid in distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic, or mineral and organic origins of these particles.

Domaines: Océan, Atmosphère

David Widory, Philippe Négrel. Urban aerosols. Géosciences, 2009, 10, p. 46-52. ⟨hal-00538494⟩