| Affiliation: | (1) Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, Palm Springs Institute for Environmental Sustainability, California State University, San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407-2393, USA |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to use a portable aerosol monitor as a preliminary screening tool to identify local sources of coarse (PM(10-2.5)) and fine (PM(2.5)) particulate matter within the Coachella Valley, a low-elevation desert community. The portable aerosol monitor proved to be useful in identifying particle sources unique to the region, namely, sand dunes with sparse ground cover (vegetation), a river wash, and diesel truck and freight train traffic. The general limitations relate to discrepancies in the fraction of PM(10-2.5) when compared to regional air quality data and a lack of accurate mass-based data. |
