COMPARISON OF ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICULATE MATTER DERIVED FROM STATIONARY SOURCES

ABSTRACT This report summarizes a variety of studies on the collection, characterization and biological activity of coal fly ash, oil fly ash, and volcanic ash. Methodologies are described for in situ and post-collection size-classification of particulate matter. The spherical morphology of coal fly ashes is contrasted with the large crystals and honeycomb-appearance of oil ash and the jagged, angular appearance of volcanic ash. Biological activity of coal fly ash is only slightly greater than that of inert particles, while oil fly ash is more cytotoxic than α-quartz, a potent macrophage toxicant. Although volcanic ash is morphologically similar to α-quartz, the ash is significantly less cytotoxic.