A Study on the Source Profile Development for Fine Particles (PM2.5) Emitted from Biomass Burning

This study was performed to develop the source profiles for fine particles (PM2.5) emitted from the biomass burning. The multi-method research strategy included a usage of combustion devices such as field burning, fireplace, and residential wood burning to burn rice straw, fallen leaves, pine tree, and oak tree. The data were collected from multiple sources and measured water-soluble ions, elements, elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC). From this study, it turned out that OC (34 +/- 67%) and EC (1.2 +/- 39%) are the major components emitted from biomass burning. In the case of burning rice straw at field burning, OC (66.6%) was the most abundant species, followed by EC (4.3%), Cl-(3.6%), Cl (2.1%), and SO4 2-(1.9%). Burning rice straw, fallen leaves, pine tree, and oak tree at fireplace, the amount of OC was 58.5%, 52.7%, 52.5%, and 61.2%, and that of EC was 1.2%, 18.4%, 36.5%, and 2.7%, respectively. The ratio of OC for the burning of pine tree and oak tree from the residential wood burning device was 56.9% and 34.3%, and that of EC was 25% and 38.6%, respectively. Applying the measured data with respect to the proportion of components emitted from biomass burning to reference model, it turned out that self-diagnosed result was appropriate level, and the result based on the model is in highly corresponding to actual timing of biomass burning.