Three combined investigations were conducted to examine the sources of PM_2.5 in agricultural areas. The first was the measurement of PM_2.5 and gaseous compounds in the greenhouse, which is a relatively closed system, while the second was the analysis of pesticide components used in agricultural areas. Finally, the physical and chemical properties of PM_2.5 were analyzed in an orchard area and compared with the results of the greenhouse and agricultural chemical analyses. As a result, this research was able to confirm the source of emission and characteristics of PM_2.5 originating from the agricultural area. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in agricultural areas are emitted by agricultural chemicals, and the discharged agricultural chemicals are first absorbed into the soil, and then released into the air by evaporation. Finally, the secondary products of PM_2.5 in agricultural areas were estimated to have positive relationships with the VOCs from agricultural chemicals, and NH₃ from fertilizers. The photochemical reactions of VOCs and NH₃ were responsible for the impact on secondary products.

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of atmospheric pollutants emitted by agricultural activities and to evaluate factors that may cause harm to human health. For the research, atmospheric pollutants were measured over the course of a year in representative rice farming and field crop farming areas in South Korea. The results confirmed that the characteristics of atmospheric pollutants in agricultural areas are influenced by the nature of agricultural activities. Specifically, when comparing rice paddies and field crop areas, during summer, the correlation between oxidative potential and levoglucosan—a marker for biomass burning—weakens due to less burning activity in the rice-growing season, leading to lower oxidative potential despite different PM_2.5 across areas. The study also finds that methyl sulfonic acid, indicating marine influence, plays a big role in keeping oxidative potential low in summer. This suggests that the main causes of PM_2.5-related health risks in the area are from biomass burning and external sources, with burning being a significant factor in increasing oxidative potential. Based on these results, it is hoped that measures can be taken in the future to reduce atmospheric pollutants in agricultural areas.