Atmospheric Particulate Matter Trace Metals and Size Fractionation

Particulate pollution has been considered as an emerging atmospheric problem particularly due to overwhelming anthropogenic activities. Numerous health effects are associated with these particulates mainly due to their smaller size and toxic chemical species. The focus of this work is to characterize atmospheric particulate matter in terms of its trace metal contents and size fractionation. Correlation and regression analyses are used to determine the dependence of trace metals and particulate fractions in relation to meteorological parameters. Seasonal, monthly and daily variations are assessed for metals and particulate fractions followed by diurnal/nocturnal disparities. The source identification is carried out by principal component and cluster analyses. Enrichment factors of trace metals are estimated to find out the extent of anthropogenic intrusion. The particulate metal data reported from different regions around the world are also compared. It is anticipated that the findings would be of interest for atmospheric scientists and regulatory/law enforcement agencies, in addition to general public.