Abstract
Concentrations and ratio of dissolved and suspended forms of metals and metalloids (MMs) in snow cover and their deposition rates from the atmosphere in the western part of Moscow were studied. Forms of MMs were separated using a filter with pore diameter of 0.45 μm; their concentrations were measured by ICP-MS and ICP-AES methods. Anthropogenic impact in Moscow caused a significant increase in dust load (2–7 times), concentration of solid particles in snow cover (2–5 times), and mineralization of snow meltwater (5–18 times) compared to the background level. Urban snow contains Sn, Ti, Bi, Al, W, Fe, Pb, V, Cr, Rb, Mo, Mn, As, Co, Cu, Ba, Sb, Mg mainly in suspended form, and Ca and Na in dissolved form. The role of suspended MMs in the city significantly increases compared to the background region due to high dust load, usage of de-icing salts, and the change of acidic background conditions to alkaline ones. Anthropogenic emissions are the main sources of suspended Ca, W, Co, V, Sr, Ti, Mg, Na, Mo, Zn, Fe, Sb, and Cu in the snow cover of traffic zone. These elements’ concentrations in roadside snow cover exceed the background values more than 25 times. The highest concentrations and deposition rates of MMs in the snow of Moscow are localized near the large and medium roads.
Highlights
Urban air pollution with particulate matter is a recognized environmental problem, especially relevant for megacities
The undertaken studies proved the significant impact of motor transport, industrial facilities, and de-icing salts (DISs) on urban snow cover pollution
The obtained data made it possible to define in detail the snow cover pollution pattern of snow over in the western part of Moscow, which could be used to predict the after-snowmelt fate of metals and metalloids (MMs) in other urban environments
Summary
Urban air pollution with particulate matter is a recognized environmental problem, especially relevant for megacities. Contaminated air is responsible for about 80% of premature deaths; it causes ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer [1], and increases the risk of adenocarcinomas [2]. Due to its long occurrence and ability to accumulate pollutants over the entire cold period of the year, snow cover is a natural, informative, and convenient component indicating air pollution with particulate matter and MMs in northern cities [4,5,6,7]. Snow pollution with MMs correlates well with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) and the level of atmospheric pollution with PM10 and PM2.5 [8]. Snow more effectively absorbs pollutants and washes them out of the atmosphere due to the higher surface area and porosity of snowflakes compared to raindrops [9]
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