Monitoring long-term variation of aerosol composition: a dual particle-size approach applied to Hong Kong

The 1990's time series in Hong Kong for various components oftotal suspended particulate matter (TSP) and PM₁₀ have beenanalyzed in order to assess two distinct types of anthropogenicinput. The first of these relates to the immense reclamation andconstruction activities for new developments and airportconstruction. The concentrations of crustal components inPM₁₀ (= TSP – PM₁₀) were found to peak at the time ofthis maximum activity. A second type of anthropogenic input,ambient lead from petrol vehicles, has decreased in Hong Kongand now represents a regional background. Ambient bromine nowarises mainly from the seasalt source.