Abstract
In this investigation, results of 33 elements in airborne samples collected continuously over nine urban locations are discussed. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry technique was used for determining concentration of metals. Quality control was established prior to analysis of real air samples. The guidelines followed are based on USEPA Compendium Method IO-3.4. Uncertainty in analysis was also established. Based on the concentration of metals in airborne particulates, we attempted to study the metal distribution characteristics in ambient air at various urban locations. Metals such as Al, Ca, Fe were comparatively at higher concentrations than the other elements under study at most of the locations. The city vehicles operate on lead-free fuels; however, concentration of lead in urban dust was observed in the concentration range of 0.33–6.24 μg/m3. Soil samples were also collected from sites close to the air sampling locations. Soil samples were also analysed for metal content. Enrichment factor was determined for elements measured at nine urban locations. The data supports interpretation of results in terms of contribution of metals in airborne particulates from anthropogenic and noncrustal origin.
References
Meszaros E (1999) Fundamentals of atmospheric aerosol chemistry. Akademia Kiado, Budapest
Docky DW, Pope CA, Xu XP, Spenger D, Fay JH, Ferris BG, Speizer FE (1993) An association between air pollution and mortality in 6 US cities. N Engl J Med 329:1753–1759
Seinfield JH, Pendis SN (1998) Atmospheric chemistry and physics from air pollution to climate change. Wiley and Sons, New York
McMurry PH (2000) A review of atmospheric aerosol measurements. Atmos Environ 34:1959–1999
Puppacher HR, Klett JD (1997) Microphysics of clouds and precipitation. Kluwer, Dordecht
Allen AG, Nemitz E, Shi JP, Harrison RM, Greenwood JC (2001) Size distribution of trace metals in atmospheric aerosols in the United Kingdom. Atmos Environ 35:481–491
Hixt PM, Rogers KO, Paddle GM (1999) The health effects of PM2.5 (including ultrafine particles), CONCAWE report no. 99/60, Brussels, November
USEPA Compendium Method IO-3.1, June (1999) Selection, preparation and extraction of filter material, EPA/625/R-96/010a, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 445268
EURACHEM/CITAC Guide CG 4 (2009) Quantifying uncertainty in analytical measurements, 2nd edn. QUAM2000.1
USEPA Compendium Method IO-3.4, June (1999) Determination of metals in ambient particulate matter using ICP, EPA/625/R-96/0109, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 445268
Cyrys J, Stolzel M, Heinrich J, Kryling WG, Menzel W, Witmaack K, Tuch T, Wichmaan H (2003) Elemental composition and sources of fine and ultra fine particles in Erfurt, Germany. Sci Total Environ 305:143–156
Momani K, Jaradat AQM, Jbarah AQ, Omari AA, Al-Momani JF (2002) Water soluble species and heavy metal contamination of the petroleum refinery area, Jordan. J Environ Monit 4:990–996
Acknowledgments
We are thankful to Kavita, Yogesh, Sandeep and all staff at Anacon labs for their enthusiastic support in carrying out this investigation.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Garway, S.D., Bhaisare, S.R., Garway, D.G. et al. Study of quality control and metal distribution in urban airborne particulates. Accred Qual Assur 15, 111–118 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-009-0556-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-009-0556-1