Particle size distribution of heavy metals in the urban air of Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Atmospheric particulate matters (A.P.M.) were collected on quartz-fiber filters from March 1985 to May 1986, using the Andersen high-volume air sampler and contents of six heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni) in the A.P.M. were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. These heavy metals were divided into the three groups with respect to their particle size distribution. Fe and Mn were mainly associated with coarse particles (diameter >2.0 μm), but Pb and Ni were related fine particles (diameter <2.0 μm). Cu and Zn had mixed size distributions in both of them. In the seasonal variation of heavy metals, the contents of Fe and Mn in spring and Ni and Pb in winter were higher than any other season. There were high mutual correlation between Fe and Mn in coarse particles, and between Pb and Ni in fine particles.