Size Distributions of Atmospheric Aerosol Compositions in Saitama, Japan

A survey of atmospheric aerosols in a suburban area near Tokyo, Japan was conducted using an Andersen sampler. Significant amounts of Na and Cl collected were considered to be derived from sea salt. The difference between the Na/Clratio in the area and that in sea salt indicated a considerable loss of Cl. This is assumed to be caused by the formation of NaNO3, which is one of the main nitrate species present. Most of the sulfate in the sample was found to be (NH4)2SO4 in the form of fine particles, which is different from the sulfate derived from sea salt and soil. The size distributions of K and Mg are also discussed in relation to particular sources.