Origin of inorganic and organic components of PM2.5 in subway stations of Barcelona, Spain

Abstract The present work assesses indoor air quality in stations of the Barcelona subway system. PM 2.5 concentrations on the platforms of 4 subway stations were measured during two different seasons and the chemical composition was determined. A Positive Matrix Factorization analysis was performed to identify and quantify the contributions of major PM 2.5 sources in the subway stations. Mean PM 2.5 concentrations varied according to the stations design and seasonal periods. PM 2.5 was composed of haematite, carbonaceous aerosol, crustal matter, secondary inorganic compounds, trace elements, insoluble sulphate and halite. Organic compounds such as PAHs, nicotine, levoglucosan and aromatic musk compounds were also identified. Subway PM 2.5 source comprised emissions from rails, wheels, catenaries, brake pads and pantographs. The subway source showed different chemical profiles for each station, but was always dominated by Fe. Control actions on the source are important for the achievement of better air quality in the subway environment.