Concentrations and Sources of Aminiums in the PM_2.5 at Kofu, Yamanashi

Abstract

Methylaminium (MA), ethylaminium (EA), dimethylaminium (DMA), diethylaminium (DEA), trimethylaminium (TMA), and triethylaminium (TEA) in the PM_2.5 were observed at an urban site in Kofu, Yamanashi, for three years. The MA showed the highest average concentration among these six aminiums. These six aminiums accounted for 5.6% of the water-soluble organic nitrogen (WSON) concentration in the PM_2.5. The MA, DMA, and DEA showed seasonal trends with higher concentrations in the summer. During the warm season, the volatilization of the gaseous amines from agricultural lands and/or forest soils and subsequent conversion to the particulate aminiums were considered to be important sources, especially for the MA and DMA in the PM_2.5. In addition, the transport of anthropogenic aerosols from the Tokyo metropolitan area may also be important for the DEA. Biomass burning, on the other hand, was an important source for these three aminiums during the cold season, especially for the MA.