Spatiotemporal distribution of airborne elements monitored with the moss bags technique in the Greater Thriasion Plain, Attica, Greece

The well-known moss bags technique was applied in the heavily polluted Thriasion Plain region, Attica, Greece, in order to study the spatiotemporal distribution, in the atmosphere, of the following 32 elements: Na, Al, Cl, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Zn, As, Se, Br, Sr, Mo, Sb, I, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Tb, Dy, Yb, Hf, Ta, Hg, Th, and U. The moss bags were constituted of Sphagnum girgensohnii materials. The bags were exposed to ambient air in a network of 12 monitoring stations scattered throughout the monitoring area. In order to explore the temporal variation of the pollutants, four sets of moss bags were exposed for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Instrumental neutral activation analysis was used for the determinations of the elements. The data were analyzed using the Pearson correlations, the partial redundancy analysis, and the biplot statistical methods. Some pairs of elements were highly correlated indicating a probable common source of origin. The levels of the measured pollutants were unevenly distributed throughout the area and different pollutants exhibited different spatial patterns. In general, higher loads were observed in the stations close to and within the industrial zone. Most of the measured elements (e.g., Al, Ca, Ni, I, Zn, Cr, and As) exhibited a monotonic accumulation trend over time. Some elements exhibited different dynamics. The elements Mn, Mo, and Hg showed a decreasing trend, probably due to leaching and/or volatilization processes over time. Na and Br initially showed an increasing trend during the winter and early spring periods but decreased drastically during the late warm period. The results further suggest that the moss bags technique would be considered valuable for the majority of elements but should be used with caution in the cases of elements vulnerable to leaching and/or volatilization. It also suggests that the timing and the duration of the exposure of moss materials should be considered in the interpretation of the results.     

Atmospheric ambient trace element concentrations of PM10 at urban and sub-urban sites: source apportionment and health risk estimation

In this study, PM₁₀ concentrations and elemental (Al, Fe, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Pb, and Bi) contents of particles were determined in Düzce, Turkey. The particulate matter samplings were carried out in the winter and summer seasons simultaneously in both urban and sub-urban sampling sites. The average PM₁₀ concentration measured in the winter season was 86.4 and 27.3 μg/m³, respectively, in the urban and sub-urban sampling sites, while it was measured as 53.2 and 34.7 μg/m³ in the summer season. According to the results, it was observed that the PM₁₀ levels and the element concentrations reached higher levels, especially at the urban sampling site, in the winter season. The positive matrix factorization model (PMF) was applied to the data set for source apportionment. Analysis with the PMF model revealed six factors for both the urban (coal combustion, traffic, oil combustion, industry, biomass combustion, and soil) and sub-urban (industry, oil combustion, traffic, road dust, soil resuspension, domestic heating) sampling sites. Loadings of grouped elements on these factors showed that the major sources of the elements in the atmosphere of Düzce were traffic, fossil fuel combustion, and metal industry-related emissions.     

新疆典型城-郊-乡梯度带土壤微量元素空间分布与来源

从新疆某地典型城-郊-乡梯度带采集了77个表层(0~20 cm)土壤样品,基于GIS技术与多元统计分析方法,研究各梯度带表层土壤中Hg、As、V、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb和Sb等10种微量元素的空间分布特征与主要来源。结果表明:Hg元素在城区、郊区和乡村表层土壤中的平均含量均超出研究区土壤背景值,As元素在城区和郊区表层土壤中的平均含量超出背景值,Zn和Pb元素在城区表层土壤中的平均含量超出背景值,其余元素在3个梯度带表层土壤中的平均含量均低于相应的背景值。研究区表层土壤中,V、Co、Ni、Zn、Cd、Pb和Sb等7种元素的空间分布格局基本相似,均呈现沿城市化梯度带分布的地带性格局;As、Cu和Hg等3种元素的空间分布呈现岛状格局。来源分析结果表明,各梯度带表层土壤中的微量元素的来源各不相同。     

Survey of elemental contents in two organs of slaughtered bovine,porcine and avian specimens,Ontario, Canada 1980–83

Kidney and muscle samples were collected from 197 bovine and 33 porcine carcasses and liver and muscle from 115 poultry carcasses across the province. These tissues were analyzed for the following 13 elements, Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn. The intent of the study was to determine normal background levels. Tissue concentration of these elements fell into five orders of magnitude ranging from < 10 g kg^–1 for Ag to over 10 mg kg^–1 for Zn. Similar concentrations were observed in the three specie tissues being compared except for higher concentrations of Cd and Sb in bovine kidneys. In avian tissues Mo contents were higher in liver than muscle. When samples from all three species were grouped by age, no distinct trends were observed to indicate an increase in metal contents with age, with the exception of Cd in bovine kidneys.     

Potentially toxic elements in urban soils: source apportionment and contamination assessment

Soils play a vital role in the quality of the urban environment and the health of its residents. City soils and street dusts accumulate various contaminants and particularly potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from a variety of human activities. This study investigates the current condition of elemental concentration in the urban soils of Hamedan, the largest and the fastest-growing city in western Iran. Thirty-four composite soil samples were collected from 0 to 10 cm topsoil of various land uses in Hamedan city and were analyzed for total concentration of 63 elements by ICP-MS. The possible sources of elemental loadings were verified using multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) and geochemical indices. The spatial variability of the main PTEs was mapped using geographic information system (GIS) technique. The results revealed a concentration for As, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, and V in the soil samples comparable to the background values as well as a range of associations among these elements in a single component suggesting geogenic sources related to geological and pedogenic processes, while the soils mostly presented a moderate to considerable enrichment/contamination of Cd, Zn, Pb, and Sb and moderate enrichment/contamination of Cu, Zn, and Mo. It was found that anthropogenic factors, vehicular traffic in particular, control the concentration of a spectrum of elements that are typical of human activities, i.e., Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb, and Zn. Lead and Sb were both the most enriched elements in soils with no correlation with land use highlighting general urban emissions over time and the impact of transport networks directly on soil quality. The highest concentrations of As were recorded in the southern part of the city reflecting the influence of metamorphic rocks. The effect of the geological substrate on the Co and Ni contents was confirmed by their maximum concentrations in the city’s marginal areas. However, high spatial variability of urban elements’ contents displayed the contribution of various human activities. In particular, the increased concentration of Cd, Sb, and Pb was found to be consistent with the areas where vehicular traffic is heaviest.     

Trace element contamination in industrial regions of Poland studied by moss monitoring

The use of terrestrial mosses as biomonitors in large-scalemulti-element studies of heavy metal deposition from theatmosphere is a well established technique in Europe. Insuch studies it is advantageous to determine as many elements as possible in order to distinguish betweendifferent source categories. A combination of INAA and AAShas been found very useful in this respect, in particularwhen epithermal activation is used for instrumental neutronactivation analysis. A total of 33 elements (Al, Cl, Sc, V,Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sb,I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Tb, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Au, Pb, Th, and U) inPleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. moss samples fromthe Silesia-Kraków Industrial Region and Legnica-GogówCopper Basin and from the control (background) area inNortheast Poland were identified. The highest concentrationsof the majority of trace elements were found in mossesgrowing in the Silesia-Kraków Industrial Region, only Cu andAs concentrations were higher in mosses in the Legnica-Gogów Copper Basin. These results are in conformity withthe load of trace elements emissions in these areas.     

微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法同时测定废水中20种元素

采用微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法,同时测定了废水中Be、V、Cr、Mn、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Se、Mo、Ag、Cd、Sb、Ba、Hg、Tl、Pb、Th、U等20种元素,比较了5种不同消解体系对废水样品的加标回收结果,确定采用硝酸+过氧化氢消解体系。Hg在0.050μg/L～2.00μg/L、其他元素在5.00μg/L～500μg/L范围内线性良好,检出限为0.01μg/L～0.2μg/L,国家有证标准物质的测定结果符合要求,废水样品平行测定的RSD为2.6%～6.5%,加标回收率为84%～110%。     

干旱区中小城市降雪中金属元素沉降通量研究

文章以干旱区中小城市昌吉市为研究区,选择2011年12月至2012年2月期间较为典型的6场次降雪进行采样,利用ICP-MS测定降雪中20种金属元素,并探讨金属元素的沉降通量、富集特征及其来源。研究表明,降雪中Al的年沉降通量最大,为10.32 mg/m²;Fe、Ba、Zn、V、Cu的年沉降通量次之,集中在1.40~6.11 mg/m²;As、Ni、Mn、Cr、Mo、Sb年沉降通量较小,集中在0.08~0.39 mg/m²;Be、Co、Cd、Pb、Hg、Tl、Th、U的年沉降通量最小,集中在0.001~0.053 mg/m²。Al、Fe、Mn、Be、Th富集系数在0.32~3.05之间,这些金属元素主要来自自然来源;Cd与Hg富集系数分别为923.23、2511.47,达到严重富集的程度;其余金属元素富集系数在10~500之间,属中度富集。昌吉州境内煤炭资源丰富,近年煤炭开采量较大,城区供暖面积不断加大,供暖不断加强;市区车流量急剧增加,运输排放加剧;近郊及周边地区各类工业的分布等是各类金属元素在雪中富集的主要原因。冰雪节后冰灯拆除,降雪可有效捕集大气中的汞,冬季气温不利于Hg挥发等对Hg的严重富集也有重要影响。     

Major and trace element contents in apples from a cultivated area of central Greece

Forty-two soil and apple samples from central Greece were collected and analyzed with regards to the content in major (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, and S) and trace elements (As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Ti, and Zn). Soil samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, while for the apples inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was implemented. Several elements such as As, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Ti, and Zn, represent high concentrations in apples from the study area. These relatively high concentrations may be a consequence of the local geology, along with the excessive application of agricultural products such as fertilizers and agrochemicals.     

Changes in maternal blood concentrations of selected essential and toxic elements during and after pregnancy

The objective of this study was to investigate changes in the levels of toxic and essential elements in maternal blood during pregnancy and subsequently. A subset of 211 pregnant women from the North Norwegian Mother-and-Child Study was included. Blood samples were collected during the 2(nd) trimester (P1) and postpartum (day 3, P2; and 6 weeks, P3) in different regions of northern Norway, and were analyzed for a suite of 10 selected elements. The latter feature three general but distinct concentration patterns across the three collection periods, namely: progressive increase [Group 1: As, Cd (non-smokers only), Mn, Pb and Zn]; V-shaped, with a minimum at P2 [Group 2: Cd (smokers), Hg, Mo and Se]; and downward V, with a maximum at P2 [Group 3: Co and Cu]. These trends are interpreted in the context of underlying metabolic, hematological and physiological changes that occur in mothers, as well the biochemistry and accumulation preferences of these elements within the whole blood compartment and breast milk. Implications for biomonitoring strategies are discussed. In a multivariable analysis of the P1 data, fish consumption was a robust positive predictor for Hg (p < 0.02), As (p < 0.01) and Se (p ≤ 0.001) blood concentrations, multivitamin intake for Se (p < 0.001), and parity for Co (p < 0.002); age reached significance only for Hg (p < 0.001). An inverse association was observed between parity and Hg (p < 0.05). For the other elements, predictor patterns were not evident.     

Atmospheric Dust Loads and Their Elemental Composition at a Background Site in India

Air particulate samples collected during 1995–96 ata background site situated on the east coast of Thar Desert inRajsthan State of India were analysed for atmospheric dustloads (Suspended Particulate Matter) and elemental composition.The values of SPM ranged from 9 g M^-3 to 97g M^-3 with an average of 43 g M^-3 except a fewepisodic values, which were 3 to 5 times higher than the averageduring summer months. The results for elemental composition ofthe particulate samples showed that the concentrations ofanthropogenic toxic trace elements viz. Br, Cr, Pb, Sb, Se and Znare lower by a factor of 2 to 10 as compared to urban areas. Thehigh enrichment factors for anthropogenic elements viz. Br, Pb,Sb and Zn show an input from coal/wood fuel burning andvehicular pollution at the sampling site. The depletion of Si inSPM samples shows long distance transport of dust to the samplingsite.     

Analysis of selected biomonitors to evaluate the suitability for their complementary use in monitoring trace element atmospheric deposition

The biomonitoring properties of oak tree bark compared with the epiphytic moss Hypnum cupressiforme and the influence of the tree bark, as its growth substrate, on the content of heavy metals in moss were investigated. Samples of the epiphytic moss H. cupressiforme and oak tree bark (Quercus spp.) were collected in Eastern Romania at a total of 44 sampling sites. Parallel moss and bark samples were collected from the same sides of the trunk circumference. V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, and Bi were determined by ICP-MS. Principal component analysis was used to identify possible sources of metals in bark and moss. Six factors explaining 87 % of the total variance in the data set were chosen. The main factors represent long-range atmospheric transport of elements (Zn, Cd, (Pb), Bi, (Mo), (Tl)), local emissions from industrial sources (As, Cr, Ni, V), road traffic (Pb, Zn) and agricultural activities (Cu, (Zn)). The element concentrations in moss and bark samples are of the same order of magnitude. For almost all the elements, higher concentrations were obtained in moss. Significant correlations between concentrations in moss and bark samples were obtained for 7 of the 13 elements: V, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, In, and Bi, all typical anthropogenic pollutants. The use of tree bark for monitoring purposes might be an alternative in areas where there is a scarcity of mosses.     

杭州市燃煤废气中重金属排放清单建立

采用基于燃料消耗的排放因子法,以污染源普查动态更新数据为基础,建立了2010年杭州市燃煤废气中重金属(汞、砷、铅、镉、总铬、镍、锑等7种)排放清单。结果表明,2010年杭州市燃煤废气中汞、砷、铅、镉、总铬、镍、锑的年排放量分别为194.2、252.9、1 915.7、53.9、3 390.4、1 465.4、101.0 kg。燃煤废气中重金属的排放主要集中在燃煤消耗较高的拱墅区和江干区,其次是上城区,这3个区燃煤废气中重金属的排放量之和超过全市的95%。燃煤废气中重金属的排放量与燃煤量密切相关,但锅炉燃烧方式、除尘脱硫设施对重金属排放也起到了决定性作用。     

Concentrations, enrichment and predominant sources of Sb and other trace elements in size classified airborne particulate matter collected in Tokyo from 1995 to 2004

APM was collected and trace elements existing in the particles were monitored since May 1995 in this study. APM sample was collected separately by size (d < 2 microm, 2-11 microm and >11 microm) on the roof of the university building (45 m above ground) in the campus of Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan, using an Anderson low volume air sampler. The collected sample was digested by HNO3, H2O2 and HF using a microwave oven, and major elements (Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca and Fe) were measured by ICP-AES, and trace elements (Li, Be, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba and Pb) were measured by ICP-MS. It was observed that the APM concentration was higher between the winter and the spring, compared to during the summer. The enrichment factor was calculated for each element in each set of APM (d < 2 microm, 2-11 microm and >11 microm). Seasonal trends of enrichment factors were examined, and the elements were classified into 3 groups according to the common seasonal behavior. It is likely that the elements in the same group have common origins. Toxic pollutant elements (Sb, Se, Cd, Pb and As) were found in small particles with d of <2 microm in concentrated levels. Antimony (Sb) had the highest enrichment factor, and the results suggested that Sb level in APM was extremely high. The origins of Sb were sought, and wastes from plastic incineration and brake pad wears of automobiles were suspected. Each set of APM (d < 2 microm, 2-11 microm and >11 microm) was classified by the shape, and the shape-dependent constituents of a single APM particle were quantitatively measured by SEM-EDX. High concentration of Sb was found in APM <2 microm and square particles. Particles less than 2 microm and square shaped particles were major particles produced by actual car braking experiments. From these experimental results it was concluded that the source of Sb in squared APM <2 microm is considered to be from brake pad wear.     

Relations between sulphate,ammonia, nitrate,acidity and trace element concentrations in tree bark in The Netherlands

Bark flakes were sampled in a biomonitoring survey throughout The Netherlands. Tree species used were oak (65 samples) and non-oak (58 samples) (poplar, elm, willow). Bark elemental analysis was carried out for As, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hg, K, La, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Th, and Zn. Furthermore, bark acidity, SO₄, NH₄ and NO₃ were determined. Further variables introduced into the data-set were DIST (closest distance to sea water) and the dummy variably OAK (tree species).Straightforward multivariate correlation analysis was performed to check the effects on bark metal retention of the non-metal pollutants SO₄, NH₄ and NO₃, and of bark acidity. The OAK variable served to identify species-specific metal and non-metal pollutant behaviour. The DIST variable was used to visualize geography(source)-related variations in bark metal and non-metal pollutant concentrations, and to account for the non-random distribution of OAK and non-OAK tree species.The results indicate that the non-oak and oak bark samples may be combined to form 123 samples containing data-set for As, Br, Cd, Ce, Co, Fe, La, Na, Sc, Sm, Th, Zn, NH₄, NO₄, SO₄ and acidity, but not for Rb, Cs, Se, K, Ni, Pb and Sb (species-specific) and for Ca and Hg (H⁺-dependent). In the presented data-set, bark sulphate, ammonia and nitrate could not be shown to significantly affect bark metal retention.     

PM2.5 in the central part of Upper Silesia, Poland: concentrations, elemental composition, and mobility of components

The paper discusses ambient concentrations of PM_2.5 (ambient fine particles) and of 29 PM_2.5-related elements in Zabrze and Katowice, Poland, in 2007. The elemental composition of PM_2.5 was determined using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The mobility (cumulative percentage of the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions of an element in its total concentration) of 18 PM_2.5-related elements in Zabrze and Katowice was computed by using sequential extraction and EDXRF combined into a simple method. The samples were extracted twice: in deionized water and in ammonium acetate. In general, the mobility and the concentrations of the majority of the elements were the same in both cities. S, Cl, K, Ca, Zn, Br, Ba, and Pb in both cities, Ti and Se in Katowice, and Sr in Zabrze had the mobility greater than 70%. Mobility of typical crustal elements, Al, Si, and Ti, because of high proportion of their exchangeable fractions in PM, was from 40 to 66%. Mobility of Fe and Cu was lower than 30%. Probable sources of PM_2.5 were determined by applying principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis and computing enrichment factors. Great part of PM_2.5 (78% in Katowice and 36% in Zabrze) originated from combustion of fuels in domestic furnaces (fossil fuels, biomass and wastes, etc.) and liquid fuels in car engines. Other identified sources were: power plants, soil, and roads in Zabrze and in Katowice an industrial source, probably a non-ferrous smelter or/and a steelwork, and power plants.     

The effects of anthropogenic particulate emissions on roadway dust and Nerium oleander leaves in Messina (Sicily, Italy)

Complementary studies on the inorganic chemical composition of Nerium oleander leaves collected in the town of Messina (Sicily, Italy) and seven grain-size fractions of local roadway dust have been carried out. Data and maps are presented to show that the particulate matter present in the air of Messina contains trace elements significantly in excess with respect to the average continental earth crust. The anomalies follow the outline of the urban area, the highest concentrations of trace elements being observed where traffic density is highest. Chemical and isotopic analyses of both road dust and Nerium oleander leaves indicate that Pb contamination still characterizes roads with heavy traffic. In addition to Pb, other metals such as Pt, Pd, Sb, Au, Br, Zn, Cu, Mo, and Cd are significantly enriched in roadway dust, indicating their common anthropogenic origin, especially from traffic. SEM/EDS study of some roadway dust particles has shown the presence of gypsum probably of secondary origin, mixed particles formed by coagulation or gas-to-particle conversion, and porous spherical particles apparently emanating from combustion processes.     

真藓对碳酸盐型锰矿区重金属污染的指示意义

锰矿开采产生重金属污染,对周围环境造成影响,有必要对矿区重金属进行监测。研究以典型碳酸盐型锰矿——南茶锰矿(按职能划分为4个功能区：矿井区、废石区、选矿区、蓄矿区)为对象,以区域内真藓Bryum argenteum为材料,结合相关分析、聚类分析、主成分分析、变异系数等方法考察了真藓和土壤中重金属的含量及其可能的来源。结果表明：各功能区均受到不同程度的人为干扰,人为干扰越强,区域污染越严重。在不同污染梯度的功能区内,真藓的重金属(Fe、Mn、Zn、Cr、Ni、Ba、Co、Mo、Hg、Pb、Cd、Cu、Tl、As、Sb)含量与土壤重金属含量显著正相关(P<0.05),说明真藓是监测碳酸盐型锰矿重金属污染的有效指标。真藓指示南茶锰矿除了可能受到采矿活动的强烈影响外(Mn、Cu、Fe、Zn、Cr、Ni、Mo、Ba),还受到来自运输车辆的机械磨损、排放及采矿活动的复合污染(Tl、Cd、Pb、As、Sb),识别结果与区域重金属分布情况吻合,表明真藓具有识别重金属污染的能力。在今后碳酸盐型锰矿污染防治工作中,可将真藓作为重金属污染监测的生物材料。     

Identifying the origin of atmospheric inputs of trace elements in the Prades Mountains (Catalonia) with bryophytes, lichens, and soil monitoring

The biomonitors Hypnum cupressiforme and Xanthoria parietina were used to assess the deposition of trace elements and their possible origin in the Prades Mountains, a protected Mediterranean forest area of NE Spain with several pollution sources nearby. Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, and Zn were determined in 16 locations within this protected area. Soil trace element concentrations were also ascertained to calculate enrichment factors (EF) and use them to distinguish airborne from soilborne trace element inputs. In addition, lichen richness was measured to further assess atmospheric pollution. EF demonstrated to be useful not only for the moss but also for the lichen. Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn presented values higher than three in both biomonitors. These trace elements were also the main ones emitted by the potential sources of pollutants. The distance between sampling locations and potential pollution sources was correlated with the concentrations of Cu, Sb, and Zn in the moss and with Cr, Ni, and Sb in the lichen. Lichen richness was negatively correlated with lichen Cu, Pb, and V concentrations on dry weight basis. The study reflected the remarkable influence that the pollution sources have on the presence of trace elements and on lichen species community composition in this natural area. The study highlights the value of combining the use of biomonitors, enrichment factors, and lichen diversity for pollution assessment to reach a better overview of both trace elements’ impact and the localization of their sources.     

Characterization of metal aerosols in PM10 from urban, industrial, and Asian Dust sources

Metallic elements (As, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn) in PM10 aerosols were determined at urban and industrial sites, which are affected by traffic and residential sources, metallurgical activity, and petrochemical and steel works. The effect of the long-range transported Asian Dust on the metal content of aerosols was also examined. At the urban sampling site, concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Se, and Zn were assigned to road traffic and combustion sources, Ca and Fe to soil dust sources from long-range transported Asian Dusts, and Cr and Ni to metallurgical sources transported from the nearby industrial complex, based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Enhanced Cr and Ni concentrations at the metallurgical industrial site suggest that local emissions from metal-assembly facilities and manufacture of alloys contributed to elevated levels of those metals. We also observed that petrochemical activities contributed to increased levels of Sb and Zn. When Asian Dust events occurred, Ca, Fe, K, and Zn concentrations dramatically increased compared to values without the Asian Dust. Two different types of Asian Dust events were observed. For the Asian Dust event 1 (4/1/2007), the Fe and K concentrations were much higher by a factor of 2–3 than those for the Asian Dust event 2 (3/2/2008), while As, Mn, and Zn concentrations were significantly higher on the Asian Dust event 2. Backward trajectory analysis showed that for the Asian Dust event 2, the air mass had passed over the heavily industrialized zones in China during long-range transport to the current sampling site, suggesting that the As, Mn, and Zn may have originated from industrial sources.