Characterization of a local aerosol on a rural site of the Po Valley

Abstract

A site was chosen in the Po Valley (Northern Italy) that could be considered representative of the whole eastern part of the Valley. High volume aerosol samples were collected during periods characterized by weak pressure gradients over the region, so that any influence by external sources, over the aerosol composition, could be reasonably excluded. The measured total concentration of airborne particles appears notably high in a rural atmosphere. The following aerosol characteristics were determined: a) concentration of water soluble and insoluble material; b) concentration of ether soluble organic material; c) chemical element balance. Synoptic and local meteorological data were also collected during the samplings. The results are discussed from the point of view of the contribution of various sources to the total particulate matter.