Morphological and chemical composition of PM₂.₅ emissions from a concrete factory in Toluca, México

Abstract

The concrete industry is known to produce PM₂.₅ emissions in various production stages. This study analyzes PM₂.₅ emissions originating from a readymix concrete factory situated in the Toluca Valley Metropolitan Zone (MZTV) in central Mexico. Samples were collected over different seasons – warm dry, rainy, and cold dry – using a low-volume particle analyzer. The samples were subsequently analyzed to determine, the morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), elemental chemical composition by Energy Dispersion (EDS). The analysis revealed that the concentration of PM₂.₅ emissions exceeded permissible limits, posing significant health risks. The chemical composition of the PM₂.₅ emissions were analyzed, revealing that they mainly comprised O, C, Si, Fe, Ca, Al, K, and Na, which are consistent with Portland cement. The study emphasizes the need for strict environmental controls and tailored management strategies to mitigate the impact of emissions on human health. It also highlights the significant influence of meteorological conditions, which affect particulate dispersion. Finally, in this contribution, the authors aim to better understand the effects of PM₂.₅ emissions originating from the concrete industry providing insight into the need for stringent environmental regulations.