Abstract
Even after its being phased out in gasoline in the late 90s, lead (Pb) is still present at relatively high levels in the atmosphere of Beijing, China (0.10–0.18 μg m −3). Its origin is subject to debate as several distinct sources may contribute to the observed pollution levels. This study proposes to constrain the origin(s) of Pb and strontium (Sr) in aerosols, by coupling both Pb and Sr isotope systematics. The characterisation of the main pollution sources (road traffic, smelters, metal refining plants, coal combustion, cement factories, and soil erosion) shows that they can unambiguously be discriminated by the multi-isotope approach ( 206Pb/ 204Pb and 87Sr/ 86Sr). The study of total suspended particulates (TSP) and fine particles (PM 2.5) from Beijing and its vicinity indicates that both size fractions are controlled by the same sources. Lead isotopes indicate that metal refining plants are the major source of atmospheric lead, followed by thermal power stations and other coal combustion processes. The role of this latter source is confirmed by the study of strontium isotopes. Occasionally, emissions from cement plants and/or input from soil alteration are isotopically detectable.
Highlights
High concentrations of fine particles are found in the air of big cities, which can be up to 300 μg.m-3 for PM10 particles (Particulate Matter with a diameter
Natural variations of selected isotope compositions (e.g. carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N)) and isotope ratios (e.g. 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/206Pb, 87Sr/86Sr) can provide clearer evidence for anthropogenic input compared to concentrations data alone, as the different anthropogenic sources, whether point-source or of regional scale, commonly show distinct characteristic isotope compositions compared to those found in natural sediments (e.g., Hamelin et al, 1990; Monna et al, 1997)
Lead isotope ratios suggested that coal combustion considerably contributed to atmospheric Pb in some cities in China
Summary
High concentrations of fine particles are found in the air of big cities, which can be up to 300 μg.m-3 for PM10 particles (Particulate Matter with a diameter
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