engleski

Cadmium levels in suspended particulate matter in Zagreb air

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified cadmium and cadmium compounds as Group 1 human carcinogens, and has concluded that there is sufficient evidence that cadmium can produce lung cancer in humans exposed by inhalation. In the atmosphere, cadmium is in the form of particulate matter or is adsorbed on particulate matter. It is removed by gravitational settling, dry deposition, washout by rain and rainout. Gravitational settling removes large particles, whereas smaller particles are removed by other forms of dry and wet deposition. Its removal rate and distance travelled from the source depend on source characteristics, particle size and wind velocity. In Zagreb, Croatia, monitoring of cadmium in total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) started in the northern part of the city in 1984. Monitoring of cadmium concentrations in PM10 particles started at the same site in 1999. This paper presents trends of mean annual cadmium concentrations in TSPM (1984-2005) and PM10 particles (1999-2009), as well as the first results of cadmium monitoring PM2.5 and PM1 particle fractions in the city of Zagreb. Annual mean concentrations of cadmium in TSPM and in PM10 particles did not have a marked trend, but showed minor variations over the whole period of measurements. Cadmium in PM2.5 and PM1 particles was 84% and 72% of its PM10 content, respectively.

heavy metals; city areas; total suspended particulate matter; PM10

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