Distribution and seasonal variability of trace elements in atmospheric particulate in the Venice Lagoon

Size distribution and selected element concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) were investigated in the Venice Lagoon, at three sites characterised by different anthropogenic influence. The PM₁₀ samples were collected in six size fractions (10-7.2, 7.2-3.0, 3.0-1.5, 1.5-0.95; 0.95-0.49 and <0.49 μm) with high volume cascade impactors, and the concentration of 17 elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn) was determined by inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectroscopy. More than 1 year of sampling activities allowed the examination of seasonal variability in size distribution of atmospheric particulates and element contents for each site.At all the stations, particles with an aerodynamic diameter <3 μm were predominant, thus accounting for more than 78% of the total aerosol mass concentration. The highest PM₁₀ concentrations for almost all elements were found at the site which is more influenced by industrial and urban emissions. Similarity in size distribution of elements at all sites allowed the identification of three main behavioural types: (a) elements found mainly within coarse particles (Ca, Mg, Na, Sr); (b) elements found mainly within fine particles (As, Cd, Ni, Pb, V) and (c) elements with several modes spread throughout the entire size range (Co, Cu, Fe, K, Zn, Mn).Factor Analysis was performed on aerosol data separately identified as fine and coarse types in order to examine the relationships between the inorganic elements and to identify their origin. Multivariate statistical analysis and assessment of similarity in the size distribution led to similar conclusions on the sources.     

Characterization of atmospheric particulates, particle-bound transition metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of urban air in the centre of Athens (Greece)

The concentrations of trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed to total suspended particulate (TSP) and finer fractions of airborne particulate matter (PM) were determined from a site in the centre of Athens (Greece), which is characterized by heavy local traffic and is densely populated, during the winter and summer periods in 2003-2004. Also, we collected and analyzed samples of diesel and gasoline exhaust particles from local vehicles (buses, taxis and private cars) and from chimney exhaust of residential central heating appliances. A seasonal effect was observed for the size distribution of aerosol mass, with a shift to larger fine fractions in winter. The most commonly detected trace metals in the TSP and PM fractions were Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, V, Ni and Cd and their concentrations were similar to levels observed in heavily polluted urban areas from local traffic and other anthropogenic emissions. Analysis of 16 PAHs bound to PM showed that they are mostly traffic related. In general, the fine particulate PAHs concentrations were higher than coarse particles. The most common PAHs in PM(10.2) and PM(2.1) were pyrene, phenanthrene, acenapthylene and fluoranthene, which are associated with diesel and gasoline exhaust particles. The results of this study underlined the importance of local emission sources, especially vehicular traffic, central heating and other local anthropogenic emissions. Compared with other big cities, Athens has much higher levels of airborne particles, especially of the finer fractions PM(10) and PM(2.5), correlated with traffic-related air pollution.     

应用地质累积指数评价抚顺市PM10中元素的污染

2006-2007年采暖季、风沙季和非采暖季分别在抚顺市的6个采样点采集PM10样品,用等离子体原子发射光谱(ICP-AES)法测定样品中Ti、Al、Mn、Mg、Ca、Na、K、Cu、Zn、As、Pb、Cr、Ni、Co、Cd、Fe、V等17种元素的含量,并用地质累积指数对其污染状况进行初步评价。结果表明:(1)从PM10中元素在不同采样点的含量看,抚顺市PM10中Ti、Mn、Mg、Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Ni、Co这9种元素在各采样点间的差别较大;Al、Ca、Na、K、As、Cd、Fe、V这8种元素差别较小。(2)从PM10中元素在不同采样季的含量看,抚顺市PM10中Mn、Mg含量的季间差别较大,其余15种元素季间差别较小。(3)Zn、Cd污染较重;Ti、Al、Mg、Ca、Na、K、As、Fe和V污染较轻;其他6种元素在6个采样点和3个采样季污染程度差别较大。(4)水库采样点各元素污染级别均不是最高;新华采样点PM10中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Ni、Co、Cd污染级别均较高。(5)3个采样季PM10中Cd、Zn污染均较重,属于重度或严重污染;在采暖季PM10中Cu、Pb、Cr的地质累积指数较风沙季、非采暖季大;在非采暖季PM10中Mn、Co受到的污染比采暖季和风沙季稍严重。     

Toxic metal content of particulate matter (PM10), within the Greater Area of Athens

This study presents results from a yearlong particulate matter measurement campaign, conducted across the Greater Athens Area, at four locations, between 1st June 2001 and 31st May 2002. The collected PM(10) 24-h samples were analyzed for nine toxic metals and metalloids (Pb, As, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mn, V, Cu, Hg). Concerning the five elements regulated by the European Union, annual average concentrations of Pb were found below the limit values at all sites, Cd and Ni concentrations were lower than the prospective assessment thresholds at all sites, concentrations of As exceeded the assessment threshold at two sites, while concentrations of Hg were found below detection limits in all samples. Concentration levels of Mn and V were in compliance with the values proposed by the World Health Organization. The seasonal and spatial variability of metal concentrations was examined and site-specific correlation analysis was conducted for the identification of metals with similar origin. The association between trace metals and NO(x) concentrations was explored to account for the impact of automotive sources, at two traffic-impacted sites. Cu was the metal most closely linked with the road transport sector. The relation of concentration levels with the prevalence of winds from different sectors was studied in an effort to investigate the transport of metal particles from various zones of the city. Finally, factor analysis was carried out to extract the main components responsible for the variance of the dataset and to attribute them to specific source categories, with vehicle-related sources being important in all cases.     

The determination of heavy metals (Al,Mn, Fe,Ni, Cu,Zn, Cd and Pb) in urban snow using an atomic absorption graphite furnace

The concentrations of eight metals (Al, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in snow from the island of Montréal were determined in quantities of nanogram per gram using an atomic absorption graphite furnace. An overall precision of 10% was achieved for all elements. Enrichment factors calculated indicated that Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb are most probably anthropogenically derived.     

Particulates and Metallic Elements Monitoring at Two Sampling Sites (Harbor,Airport) in Taiwan

This study characterized the dry deposition flux and dry deposition velocity (Vd) of metallic elements attached on particulate matter. Specifically, large particles (>10 μm), coarse particles (10 μm～2.5 μm), and fine particles (<2.5 μm) were studied at the Gong Ming Junior High School (Taichung Airport) and Taichung Harbor sampling sites in central Taiwan. Ambient air samples were collected to determine total suspended particulate matter (TSP), dry deposition plate (DDP), Vd, coarse particulate matter (PM_2.5–10) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), and metallic elements concentrations at the Airport and Taichung Harbor sites between June 17, 2013, and November 14, 2013. The results revealed that the average TSP, DDP, Vd, PM_2.5–10, and PM_2.5 particulate at the Airport were 54.55 (μg/m³), 902.25 (μg/m²-min), 17.11 (m/sec), 0.003 (μg/m³), and 0.010 (μg/m³), respectively; while these values at Taichung Harbor were 63.66 (μg/m³), 539.69 (μg/m²-min), 9.94 (m/sec), 0.003 (μg/m³), and 0.014 (μg/m³), respectively. In addition, the results showed that the average Cu and Pb concentrations were higher than Cr, Ni, and Cd for both the airport and harbor sampling sites. Furthermore, Cr, N, Cu, Cd, and Pb had the highest average concentrations versus those reported for other study areas, with one exception: The results obtained in Kacanik, Kosovo, during 2005. The average metallic elements concentrations order was Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd.     

Determination of major natural and anthropogenic source profiles for particulate matter and trace elements in Izmir, Turkey

Samples of PM10 and PM2.5 were collected from several natural and anthropogenic sources using in-stack cyclone, grab sampling/resuspension chamber and ambient air samplers. The chemical characterization of the samples was achieved containing Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The elemental fractions (weight percent by mass), standard deviations and uncertainties were reported. The elemental compositions of PM emitted from mineral industries and cement kiln were dominated by terrestrial elements, particularly Ca, whereas the profile of top-soil mainly contained Al and Ca. The profiles of industrial sources were generally typical for related ones; however, significant differences were obtained for some of them. Similarly, the profiles of fuel burning emissions have significant differences compared to profiles obtained all around the world.     

Content, distribution and fate of 33 elements in sediments of rivers receiving wastewater in Hanoi, Vietnam

Untreated industrial and domestic wastewater from Hanoi city is discharged into rivers that supply water for various agricultural and aqua-cultural food production systems. The aim of this study was to assess the content, distribution and fate of 33 elements in the sediment and pore water of the main wastewater receiving rivers. The sediment was polluted with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) with maximum concentrations of 73 As, 427 Cd, 281 Cr, 240 Cu, 218 Ni, 363 Pb, 12.5 Sb and 1240 Zn mg kg(-1) d.w. Observed distribution coefficients (log(10) K(d,obs)) were calculated as the ratio between sediment (mg kg(-1) d.w.) and pore water (mg L(-1)) concentrations. Maxima log(10) K(d,obs) were >4.26 Cd, >6.60 Cu, 4.78 Ni, 7.01 Pb and 6.62 Zn. The high values show a strong PTE retention and indicate the importance of both sorption and precipitation as retention mechanisms. Sulphide precipitation was a likely mechanism due to highly reduced conditions.     

Characterization of fine particulate matter produced by combustion of residual fuel oil

Combustion experiments were carried out on four different residual fuel oils in a 732-kW boiler. PM emission samples were separated aerodynamically by a cyclone into fractions that were nominally less than and greater than 2.5 microns in diameter. However, examination of several of the samples by computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) revealed that part of the PM2.5 fraction consists of carbonaceous cenospheres and vesicular particles that range up to 10 microns in diameter. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy data were obtained at the S, V, Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn, and As K-edges and at the Pb L-edge. Deconvolution of the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) region of the S spectra established that the dominant molecular forms of S present were sulfate (26-84% of total S) and thiophene (13-39% of total S). Sulfate was greater in the PM2.5 samples than in the PM2.5+ samples. Inorganic sulfides and elemental sulfur were present in lower percentages. The Ni XANES spectra from all of the samples agreed fairly well with that of NiSO4, while most of the V spectra closely resembled that of vanadyl sulfate (VO.SO4.xH2O). The other metals investigated (i.e., Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb) also were present predominantly as sulfates. Arsenic was present as an arsenate (As+5). X-ray diffraction patterns of the PM2.5 fraction exhibit sharp lines due to sulfate compounds (Zn, V, Ni, Ca, etc.) superimposed on broad peaks due to amorphous carbons. All of the samples contain a significant organic component, with the loss on ignition (LOI) ranging from 64 to 87% for the PM2.5 fraction and from 88 to 97% for the PM2.5+ fraction. Based on 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, the carbon is predominantly condensed in graphitic structures. Aliphatic structure was detected in only one of seven samples examined.     

Size distribution of airborne particulate matter and associated heavy metals in the roadside environment

The size distributions of airborne particulate matter (PM) and associated heavy metals Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, V, Mn, Cu and Fe in different inhalable fractions (< 0.8 microm, 0.8-1.3 microm, 1.3-2.7 microm, 2.7-6.7 microm and > 6.7 microm) were determined at a traffic-orientated urban site in the city of Thessaloniki, northern Greece. The airborne PM displayed a bimodal distribution with most of the mass (52%) contained in the submicron size range (< 0.8 microm) and an additional minor mode (20%) in the coarse size fraction (> 6.7 microm). Characteristic size distributions of heavy metals allowed identification of three main behavioral types: (a) metals whose mass was resided mainly within the accumulation mode (Pb,Cd), (b) those which were distributed between fine, intermediate and coarse modes (Ni,Cu,Mn), and (c) those which were mainly found within particles larger than 2.7 microm in diameter (Fe). The mean mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of PM was found at 0.85+/-0.71 microm, while the mean MMADs of heavy metals followed the order Pb (0.96 +/- 0.71 microm) < Cd (1.14 +/- 0.82 microm) < V (1.38 +/- 0.63 microm) < Ni (1.45 +/- 0.88 microm) < Cu (2.04 +/- 0.77 microm) < Mn (2.61 +/- 1.23 microm) < Cr (2.91 +/- 1.40 microm) < Fe (3.82 +/- 0.88 microm). The measured distributions are believed to result from a combination of processes including local anthropogenic and natural sources, such as traffic, industrial emissions and resuspension of road dust.     

Trends in the elemental composition of fine particulate matter in Santiago, Chile, from 1998 to 2003

Santiago, Chile, is one of the most polluted cities in South America. As a response, over the past 15 yr, numerous pollution reduction programs have been implemented by the environmental authority, Comisión Nacional del Medio Ambiente. This paper assesses the effectiveness of these interventions by examining the trends of fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) and its associated elements. Daily fine particle filter samples were collected in Santiago at a downtown location from April 1998 through March 2003. Additionally, meteorological variables were measured continuously. Annual average concentrations of PM(2.5) decreased only marginally, from 41.8 microg/m3 for the 1998-1999 period to 35.4 microg/m3 for the 2002-2003 period. PM(2.5) concentrations exceeded the annual U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard of 15 microg/m3. Also, approximately 20% of the daily samples exceeded the old standard of 65 microg/m3, whereas approximately half of the samples exceeded the new standard of 35 microg/m3 (effective in 2006). Mean PM(2.5) levels measured during the cold season (April through September) were three times higher than those measured in the warm season (October through March). Particulate mass and elemental concentration trends were investigated using regression models, controlling for year, month, weekday, wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity. The results showed significant decreases for Pb, Br, and S concentrations and minor but still significant decreases for Ni, Al, Si, Ca, and Fe. The larger decreases were associated with specific remediation policies implemented, including the removal of lead from gasoline, the reduction of sulfur levels in diesel fuel, and the introduction of natural gas. These results suggest that the pollution reduction programs, especially the ones related to transport, have been effective in reducing various important components of PM(2.5). However, particle mass and other associated element levels remain high, and it is thus imperative to continue the efforts to improve air quality, particularly focusing on industrial sources.     

Estimating the frequency distributions of particulate matter and their metal elements in a temple

Air quality inside Asian temples is typically poor because of the burning of incense. This study measured and analyzed concentrations of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5-10) particulate matter and their metal elements inside a temple in central Taiwan. Experimental results showed that the concentrations of metals Cd, Ni, Pb, and Cr inside the temple were higher than those at rural, suburban, urban, and industrial areas in other studies. Three theoretical parent distributions (lognormal, Weibull, and gamma) were used to fit the measured data. The lognormal distribution was the most appropriate distribution for representing frequency distributions of PM10, PM2.5, and their metal elements. Furthermore, the central limit theorem, H-statistic-based scheme, and parametric and nonparametric bootstrap methods were used to estimate confidence intervals for mean pollutant concentrations. The estimated upper confidence limits (UCLs) of means between different methods were very consistent, because the sample coefficient of variation (CV) was < 1. When the sample CV was > 1, the UCL based on H-statistical method tended to overestimate the UCLs when compared with other methods. Confidence intervals for pollutant concentrations at different percentiles were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric bootstrap methods. The probabilities of pollutants exceeding a critical concentration were also calculated.     

Source apportionment of indoor, outdoor, and personal PM2.5 in Seattle, Washington, using positive matrix factorization

As part of a large exposure assessment and health-effects panel study, 33 trace elements and light-absorbing carbon were measured on 24-hr fixed-site filter samples for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 microm (PM2.5) collected between September 26, 2000, and May 25, 2001, at a central outdoor site, immediately outside each subject's residence, inside each residence, and on each subject (personal sample). Both two-way (PMF2) and three-way (PMF3) positive matrix factorization were used to deduce the sources contributing to PM2.5. Five sources contributing to the indoor and outdoor samples were identified: vegetative burning, mobile emissions, secondary sulfate, a source rich in chlorine, and a source of crustal-derived material. Vegetative burning contributed more PM2.5 mass on average than any other source in all microenvironments, with average values estimated by PMF2 and PMF3, respectively, of 7.6 and 8.7 microg/m3 for the outdoor samples, 4 and 5.3 microg/m3 for the indoor samples, and 3.8 and 3.4 microg/m3 for the personal samples. Personal exposure to the combustion-related particles was correlated with outdoor sources, whereas exposure to the crustal and chlorine-rich particles was not. Personal exposures to crustal sources were strongly associated with personal activities, especially time spent at school among the child subjects.     

An evaluation of the PM2.5 trace elemental composition in the Venice Lagoon area and an analysis of the possible sources

Global emissions reported by many authors have shown as natural and anthropic sources can contribute to the principal aerosol classes, but values change according the local scenario. The Venice Lagoon is exposed to different anthropic source emissions like vehicular traffic, industrial thermoelectric power plant, petrochemical plant, incinerator plant, domestic heating, ship traffic, glass factories and airport. Samplings of PM_2.5 were daily performed between March and November 2007 in Sacca San Biagio island (Venice), and values of PM_2.5 concentration and element concentration were obtained. Monthly average concentrations (μg m^?3) during this period show higher values during the spring and the autumn. A good relationship between data obtained and concentration values from environmental local agencies is evidenced, both for PM_2.5 from urban area (Venezia Mestre), and for PM₁₀ sampled in the same area, as well as the influence of some meteorological parameters on PM_2.5 concentration sampled. Trace elements samples were measured by an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (ICP-QMS), and values (ng m^?3 and μg g^?1) for elements regulated by European directives (As, Cd, Ni, Pb), as well as, other elements (Na, Al, K, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Se, Ag) are also reported. Data analysis by mean of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) pointed out four principal groups of elements like Mn–Fe–K, As–Se–Cd, V–Co, and Pb that could be assigned to specific sources of the Venetian wetland basin.     

Characteristics and impacts of trace elements in atmospheric deposition at a high-elevation site,southern China

To investigate the regional background trace element (TE) level in atmospheric deposition (dry and wet), TEs (Fe, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Ba, and Pb) in 52 rainwater samples and 73 total suspended particles (TSP) samples collected in Mt. Lushan, Southern China, were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that TEs in wet and dry deposition of the target area were significantly elevated compared within and outside China and the volume weight mean pH of rainwater was 4.43. The relative contributions of wet and dry depositions of TEs vary significantly among elements. The wet deposition fluxes of V, As, Cr, Se, Zn, and Cd exceeded considerably their dry deposition fluxes while dry deposition dominated the removal of pollution elements such as Mo, Cu, Ni, Mn, and Al. The summed dry deposition flux was four times higher than the summed wet deposition flux. Prediction results based on a simple accumulation model found that the content of seven toxic elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in soils could increase rapidly due to the impact of annual atmospheric deposition, and the increasing amounts of them reached 0.063, 0.012, 0.026, 0.459, 0.076, 0.004, and 0.145 mg kg^?1, respectively. In addition, the annual increasing rates ranged from 0.05% (Cr and Ni) to 2.08% (Cd). It was also predicted that atmospheric deposition induced the accumulation of Cr and Cd in surface soils. Cd was the critical element with the greatest potential ecological risk among all the elements in atmospheric deposition.     

Source apportionment of PM10 and PM2.5 in five Chilean cities using factor analysis

Chile is a fast-growing country with important industrial activities near urban areas. In this study, the mass and elemental concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were measured in five major Chilean urban areas. Samples of particles with diameter less than 10 microm (PM10) and 2.5 microm (PM2.5) were collected in 1998 in Iquique (northern Chile), Valparaiso, Vi?a del Mar, Rancagua (central Chile), and Temuco (southern Chile). Both PM10 and PM2.5 annual mean concentrations (PM10: 56.9-77.6 microg/m3; PM2.5: 22.4-42.6 microg/m3) were significantly higher than the corresponding European Union (EU) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality standards. Moreover, the 24-hr PM10 and PM2.5 U.S. standards were exceeded infrequently for some of the cities (Rancagua and Valparaiso). Elements ranging from Mg to Pb were detected in the aerosol samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). For each of the five cities, factor analysis (FA) was applied to identify and quantify the sources of PM10 and PM2.5. The agreement between calculated and measured mass and elemental concentrations was excellent in most of the cities. Both natural and anthropogenic sources were resolved for all five cities. Soil and sea were the most important contributors to coarse particles (PM10-PM2.5), whereas their contributions to PM2.5 were negligible. Emissions from Cu smelters and oil refineries (and/or diesel combustion) were identified as important sources of PM2.5, particularly in the industrial cities of Rancagua, Valparaiso, and Vi?a del Mar. Finally, motor vehicles and wood burning were significant sources of both PM2.5 and PM10 in most of the cities (wood burning was not identified in Iquique).     

Characterization of PM2.5 aerosols dominated by local pollution and Asian dust observed at an urban site in Korea during aerosol characterization experiments (ACE)--Asia Project

Daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected at Gwangju, Korea, during the Aerosol Characterization Experiments (ACE)-Asia Project to determine the chemical properties of PM2.5 originating from local pollution and Asian dust (AD) storms. During the study period, two significant events occurred on April 10-13 and 24-25, 2001, and a minor event occurred on April 19, 2001. Based on air mass transport pathways identified by back-trajectory calculation, the PM2.5 dataset was classified into three types of aerosol populations: local pollution and two AD aerosol types. The two AD types were transported along different pathways. One originated from Gobi desert area in Mongolia, passing through Hunshandake desert in Northern Inner Mongolia, urban and polluted regions of China (AD1), and the other originated in sandy deserts located in the Northeast Inner Mongolia Plateau and then flowed southward through the Korean peninsula (AD2). During the AD2 event, a smoke plume that originated in North Korea was transported to our study site. Mass balance closures show that crustal materials were the most significant species during both AD events, contributing -48% to the PM2.5 mass; sulfate aerosols (19.1%) and organic matter (OM; 24.6%) were the second greatest contributors during the AD1 and AD2 periods, respectively, indicating that aerosol properties were dependent on the transport pathway. The sulfate concentration constituted only 6.4% (4.5 microg/m3) of the AD2 PM2.5 mass. OM was the major chemical species in the local pollution-dominated PM2.5 aerosols, accounting for 28.7% of the measured PM2.5 mass, followed by sulfate (21.4%), nitrate (15%), ammonium (12.8%), elemental carbon (8.9%), and crustal material (6.5%). Together with substantial enhancement of the crustal elements (Mg, Al, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, Mn, Fe, Sr, Zr, Ba, and Ce), higher concentrations of pollution elements (S, V, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) were observed during AD1 and AD2 than during the local pollution period, indicating that, in addition to crustal material, the AD dust storms also had a significant influence on anthropogenic elements.     

Influence of tobacco smoke on the elemental composition of indoor particles of different sizes

Tobacco smoking is one of the greatest sources of indoor inhalable (PM₁₀) particles. In the past, the studies conducted on indoor particulates were mostly related to PM₁₀, however in the last decade respirable particles (PM_2.5) and even smaller particles (PM₁) began to be more important as they penetrate deeper in the respiratory system, causing severe health effects. Therefore, more information on fine particles is needed. Aiming to evaluate the impact of tobacco smoke on public health, this work evaluates the influence of tobacco smoke on the characteristics of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁ considering concentration and elemental composition. Samples were collected at sites influenced by tobacco smoke, as well as at reference sites, using low-volume samplers; the element analyses were performed by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE); Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Cd, I, Ba, La, Ce and Pb were quantified. At the sites influenced by tobacco smoke concentrations were 270–560% higher for PM₁₀ and 320–680% higher for PM_2.5 than at reference sites. Tobacco smoke increased the total concentrations of five carcinogenic elements (Cr, Ni, As, Cd and Pb) 1100–2400% for PM₁₀ and 840–2200% for PM_2.5. The elements associated with tobacco smoke (S, K, Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) were predominantly present in the fine fraction; the elements mostly originating from building erosion (Mg, Al, Si and Ca) predominantly occurred in the coarse particles. The analysis of enrichment factors confirmed that tobacco smoking mainly influenced the composition of the fine fraction of particles; as these smaller particles have a strong influence on health, these conclusions are relevant for the development of strategies to protect public health.     

Levels and composition of atmospheric particulates (PM10) in a mining-industrial site in the city of Lavrion,Greece

The present work focuses on the characterization of air quality and the identification of pollutant origin at a former mining site in the city of Lavrion, Greece. A historical metallurgy complex is reused for establishing the Lavrion Technology and Cultural Park (LTCP). A serious problem with this is the severe soil contamination that resulted from intensive mining and metallurgical activities that has taken place in the greater area for the past 3,000 years. Among other consequences, surface-polluted depositions, rich in heavy and toxic metals, are loose and easily wind-eroded, resulting in transportation of particulate matter (PM) in the surrounding atmosphere. On the other hand, there are a number of industries relatively close to the site that are potential sources of PM air pollution. The current study deals with the collection and analysis of PM10 samples with respect to their concentration in heavy metals, such as Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Ni. Though not a heavy metal, As also is included. Furthermore, the source of these elements is verified using statistical correlation and by calculating enrichment factors (EFs), considering that some substances are certainly of contaminated soil origin. Results show that PM10 and element concentrations are relatively low during winter but significantly increase during summer. Fe, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Cu may be considered of contaminated soil origin, while As, Ni, Cd, and Cr are very much enriched with respect to contaminated soil, indicating another possible source attributed to the adjacent industrial plants.