Abstract
To characterize atmospheric particles in Cheonan area, 5 monitoring sites representing highway area, commercial area, residential area, and industrial areas were selected, and the mass concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were monitored for 14 days at each site during 2007. The daily average PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were in the range from 18.5 to $140.9{\mu}g/m^3$ and 8.2 to $116.6{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively, showing the highest mean concentrations at the commercial area site and the lowest concentration at the residential area site. The daily average PM 10 concentrations at Shinan (Commercial area) and Bakseok (Industrial area) sites were exceeded the current National Standard for 1 and 2 days during the monitoring periods. The fractions of PM2.5 in PM10 were above 70% for all sites, indicating fine particles are the major constituent of atmospheric particles in Cheonan. The results indicate that PM10 concentrations in Cheonan are at the concerning level, and the control strategy for fine particles is necessary to address this issue.