Evolution of Magnetic Particulate Matter during its Emission Process in Thermal Power Plants

Thermal power plant (PP) has been recognized as an important anthropogenic source for airborne magnetic particles (MPs), which are linked to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the emission characteristics and formation mechanisms of PP-derived MPs have not been fully understood. Here, we quantified the PP-derived MPs (including Fe3O4 and γ-Fe2O3) in graded fly ashes (FAs) from sequential dust removal hoppers by using a magnetic separation/purification methodology with high-efficiency retrieve, and characterized their evolution processes in abundance, morphology, and chemical fingerprints. High abundance of Fe3O4 (12.7-58.6 mg/g) and γ-Fe2O3 (0.632-9.14 mg/g) was obtained in FAs with an enrichment effect in fine particles, indicating a considerable contribution of PP to airborne nano-magnetic pollution. The high-resolution characterization of MPs revealed their morphological evolution from sub-nanoparticles to final particulate matter driven by agglomeration and coagulation. Simultaneously, the elemental contents of PP-derived MPs such as Fe, Al, and Si showed dependence on the particle size, and the MPs with smaller size had stronger magnetic properties. This work provides new insights into the characteristics and formation of PP-derived MPs for understanding their traceability, environmental behaviors, and in vivo fate, which are of significant importance for the relevant health risk assessment and pollution control.

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