PARTICULATE MATTER LEVELS AND ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION IN THE SPRING AND TRANSITION PERIOD IN HANOI, VIETNAM

Particulate matter (PM) is a major environmental concern in Vietnam as well as in the world. Samples of PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particle (TSP) were collected on the rooftop of a five-floor building inside Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, from January to May 2015. The levels PM2,5, PM10, and the metal elements of TSP were determined. PM2,5 and PM10 had average concentrations of 73 ± 37 and 138 ± 67 μg\m3, respectively. The concentration of PM2,5 and PM10 in all samples were higher than the recommended level in the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline (2005) for 24h and annual concentrations of 25 and 50 μg\m3, respectively. Nineteen elements detected in TSP samples included the higher concentration group in order: Ca > Fe > Na > Al > Mg > K > Zn and in the lower concentration group: Pb > Mn > Ti > Sr > V > Cr > Cd. The potential sources revealed from element components were discussed.