Abstract
A study on the composition of snow allowed for a quantitative determination of pollutants deposited from the atmosphere. Concentrations of dissolved (<0.45 μm) and particulate fractions of 62 chemical elements were determined by ICP–MS and ICP–AES in 41 samples of snow from Tyumen (Russia). The background sites were characterized by a predominance of the dissolved phase of elements, except for Al, Sn, Cr, Co and Zr. The increased concentrations of dissolved Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, As and Mo can be explained by a long-range atmospheric transport from the sources located in the Urals. The urban sites showed multiple increases in particulate depositions and a predominance of the particulate phase, with a high degree of enrichment in many heavy metals. Sources of trace elements were determined according to the enrichment factor (EF). Highly enriched elements (Pb, Sb, Cd, Ag, Mo, As, Zn and Cu) with an EF > 100 were emitted from anthropogenic sources. According to the potential ecological risk index (RI), the worst ecological conditions were identified in Tyumen’s historical center, industrial zone and along roads with the heaviest traffic. The data obtained in the present study allowed us to identify the most polluted parts of the city, which are located in the center and along the roads with the most intensive traffic. This research could offer a reference for the atmospheric pollution prevention and control in Tyumen.
Highlights
Industrial production is accompanied by the emission and spread of massive quantities of trace metals and metalloids (TMMs) [1]
It has been shown that sulfur compounds emitted from smelters and from oil-producing enterprises, where they are synthesized as a by-product of gas combustion, are the major factors responsible for water acidification in Russia [51]
Moderate risk is associated with the atmospheric deposition of Cd and Pb; considerable risk is associated with W deposition; high risk is associated with Fe; and very high risk is associated with Ni, Co and Cr
Summary
Industrial production is accompanied by the emission and spread of massive quantities of trace metals and metalloids (TMMs) [1]. When surfaces are covered with snow, the influence of soils on the formation of atmospheric dust aerosols is minimized, which can allow for accurate determinations of anthropogenic contributions and assessments of TMMs deposition rates in winter. In Siberia, snowpack is present for a period of 5–9 months Such a long period of TMMs accumulation in snow allows for an accurate evaluation of the levels and sources of pollution. The data on trace elements in snow meltwater collected from large and geographically homogeneous territories of Western Siberia are limited [11] Those limited data do demonstrate a significant impact of anthropogenic activities on the snow composition. The accumulation of major elements and TMMs present within the snowpack of cities of Western Siberia, as well as the interregional transmission of pollutants, has been poorly studied.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
