engleski

Correlation Between Metallic and Acidic Components in High-risk Particle Fraction in Zagreb Air

This paper presents the results of measurements of metallic (lead, manganese, cadmium) and acidic (chloride, nitrate, sulphate) components in high-risk particle fraction (PM2.5 particles with equivalent aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 &#956; m ) in the city of Zagreb, Croatia. Sampling was carried out continouosly for one year (21 March 2001 &#8211; 20 March 2002). Twenty-four-hour samples of PM2.5 were collected on cellulose membrane filters from approximately 100 m3 of ambient air. The coarser particle fraction was removed from air stream using inertial impactor. Particle mass concentration was determined by gravimetry. Acidic anions (chloride, nitrate and sulphate) were analysed using ion chromatography. Metallic components (lead, manganese, cadmium) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results show that the concentration levels of all pollutants showed significant seasonal differences (P<0.001, ANOVA, one-way), with high values during winter. A significant correlation (P<0.05) was found between the measured pollutants, except between cadmium with chlorides, sulphates and lead. The overall median anion content in the high-risk particle fraction was 19%, and the overall median metall content was 0.22 %.

nitrates; sulphates; chlorides; lead; manganese; cadmium

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