Abstract
Aerosol samples collected at Bombay on a daily basis were characterized by two instrumental methods, instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). A total of 28 elements was measured in the samples and the results are presented. Using factor analysis, seven sources were identified as contributing to the aerosol mass at the sampling site. The measured elements accounted for ∼24% of the total suspended particulate matter, with associated C, O 2 and N in particular comprising the residual mass. Air concentrations of elements with an anthropogenic origin showed a larger variation in the samples than those derived from soil. EDXRF analysis is advantageous for the analysis of bulk samples of ambient air particulates. The frequency distributions of trace elements in air are also discussed.
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