Characteristic Chemical Profile of Particulate Matter (PM2.5)—A Comparative Study Between Two Periods, Case Study in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

Medellín, a densely populated city in the Colombian Andes, faces significant health and environmental risks due to poor air quality. This is linked to the atmospheric dynamics of the valley in which it is located (Aburrá Valley). The region is characterized by a narrow valley and one of the most polluted areas in South America. This is a comparative study of the chemical composition of PM2.5 (particles with diameter less than 2.5 µm) in Medellín between two periods (2014–2015 and 2018–2019) in which temporal trends and emission sources were evaluated. PM2.5 samples were collected from urban, suburban, and rural stations following standardized protocols and compositional analyses of metals (ICP-MS), ions (ion chromatography), and carbonaceous species (organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) by thermo-optical methods) were performed. The results show a reduction in average PM2.5 concentrations for the two periods (from 26.74 µg/m3 to 20.10 µg/m3 in urban areas), although levels are still above WHO guidelines. Urban stations showed higher PM2.5 levels, with predominance of carbonaceous aerosols (Total Carbon—TC = OC + EC = 35–50% of PM2.5 mass) and secondary ions (sulfate > nitrate, 13–14% of PM2.5 mass). Rural areas showed lower PM2.5 concentrations but elevated OC/EC ratios, suggesting the influence of biomass burning as a major emission source. Metals were found to occupy fractions of less than 10% of the PM2.5 mass; however, they included important toxic species associated with respiratory and cardiovascular risks. This study highlights progress in reducing PM2.5 levels in the region, which has been impacted by local policies but emphasizes current and future challenges related mainly to secondary aerosol formation and carbonaceous aerosol emissions.