Abstract
Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. (ICP-AES), graphite furnace atomic absorption (GFAAS) and gas chromatography with an atomic absorption detector (GC-AAS) were used for the analysis of atmospheric samples collected in the Toronto area of Southern Ontario. Airborne particulate matter and particulate and soluble fractions of snow were analyzed for S, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, P, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, As, and Hg. Also, determinations of organic Hg compounds in filtered snow were performed.
The element concentrations in airborne particulate matter from Toronto were similar in amount to those found in other major cities and were the highest in winter. Regional differences in the chemical composition of snow were shown to be related to industrial density. The majority of elements existed in the highest concentrations in the soluble fraction of snow, except for Al, Fe, and Pb, which were largely present in particulate matter. Differences in the distribution of elements in particulate matter in fresh and old snow were observed and depended on particle size and element. The results demonstrated the usefulness of snow as an indicator of atmospheric pollution.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this article
We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.
Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Schroeder W. H.: 1982, `Toxic Trace Elements Associated with Airborne Particulate Matter — A Literature Review', Prepared by United Technology and Science Inc. and Ontario Research Foundation, Environment Canada, Atmospheric Environment Service, Project E.O. 82102.
Paciga, J. J. and Jervis, R. E.: 1976. Env. Sci. Technol.10/12, 1124.
Franzin, W. G., McFarlane, G. A., and Lutz, A.: 1979, Env. Sci. Technol. 3/12, 1513.
Jervis, R. E., Lansberger, S., Aufreiter, S., Van Loon, J. C., Lecomte, R. and Monaro, S.: 1983, Int. J. Environ. Analyt. Chem. 15, 89.
Brzezinska, A.,Van Loon, J. C., Williams, D., Fuwa, K., Oguma, K. and Hagaruchi, L. M.: 1983, Spectrochim. Acta 36B10, 1339.
Brzezinska, A., Van Loon, J. C., and Balicki, A., 1984, Water, Air, and Soil Poll.,21,323.
Donard, O. and Pedemay, Ph.: 1983, Anal. Chim. Acta153,301.
Edmonstone, G.: 1984, A Research Project for B.Sc. Thesis, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto.
Nguyen, V. D., Valenta, P., and Nurnberg, H. W.: 1979, Sci. Tot. Environ. 12, 151.
Environmental Health Cryteria: 1976a, No. 1, Mercury, WHO, Geneva.
Environmental Health Cryteria: 1976b, No. 3, Lead, WHO, Geneva.
Goulden, P. D. and Anthony. D. H. J.: 1980, Anal. Chim. Acta 120, 129.
’Environmental Mercury and Man‘: A Report of an Inter-departmental Working Group on Heavy Metals, Pollution Paper No. 10, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1976.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Brzezinska-Paudyn, A., Van Loon, J.C. & Balicki, M.R. Multielement analysis and mercury speciation in atmospheric samples from the Toronto area. Water Air Soil Pollut 27, 45–56 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00464768
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00464768