An economic passive sampling method to detect particulate pollutants using magnetic measurements

Identifying particulate matter (PM) emitted from industrial processes into the atmosphere is an important issue in environmental research. This paper presents a passive sampling method using simple artificial samplers that maintains the advantage of bio-monitoring, but overcomes some of its disadvantages. The samplers were tested in a heavily polluted area (Linfen, China) and compared to results from leaf samples. Spatial variations of magnetic susceptibility from artificial passive samplers and leaf samples show very similar patterns. Scanning electron microscopy suggests that the collected PM are mostly in the range of 2–25 μm; frequent occurrence of spherical shape indicates industrial combustion dominates PM emission. Magnetic properties around power plants show different features than other plants. This sampling method provides a suitable and economic tool for semi-quantifying temporal and spatial distribution of air quality; they can be installed in a regular grid and calibrate the weight of PM. - Highlights: • Simple passive samplers for particulate matter are successfully tested. • Magnetic monitoring by these samplers is consistent with results from leaf samples. • Test study conducted at the pollution hotspot of Linfen city, China. • Magnetic properties near power plants show different features than for other plants. - Magnetic monitoring by artificial passive samplers is an appropriate fast and cost-effective method for tracing potential PM emission and roughly assessing PM concentrations