Sources of metal pollution in the urban atmosphere (A case study: Tuzla, Istabul).

Abdullah Aksu

doi:10.1186/s40201-015-0224-9

Abdullah Aksu

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40201-015-0224-9

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Abstract

In this study, İstanbul-Tuzla Region atmosphere was selected as the working area for atmospheric pollution. Although the study area seems too local, this region contains shipyards and shipyard-related side product industries. It is also surrounded by aluminum (ASSAN) and copper (SARKUYSAN) facilities and tannery organized industrial district. For determined the atmospheric inputs, the sample collection was carried out as monthly in 2010. Particulate matter was filtered from aerosols via a high volume air sampler. The collected 46 ambient air samples were analyzed for Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Al using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Flame unit. Additionally, the volume of the air was drawn and meteorological data recorded.Average individual heavy metal concentrations were found as Cd (0.06 ng/m3) < Cr (0.09 ng/m3) < Zn (0.21 ng/m3) < Pb (0.23 ng/m3) < Cu (0.48 ng/m3). The concentrations of crustal elements Fe and Al were changed between 5.48 ng/m3, 74 ng/m3 and 14 ng/m3, 284 ng/m3 respectively during the sampling period. Except Cr and Fe anthropogenic contribution was seen on the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in an increasing order. While the crustal element Fe was not show an appreciable change in concentration, but the Al concentration was display an important change in concentration depending on the wind transportation.

Highlights

IntroductionVarious chemicals are emitted into the air from both natural and man-made (anthropogenic) sources
Various chemicals are emitted into the air from both natural and man-made sources
The range of particulate matter (PM) concentrations measured at Tuzla region during the sampling period was 12.22 μg/m3-209 μg/m3 with the average value of 67.90 μg/m3

Summary

Introduction

Various chemicals are emitted into the air from both natural and man-made (anthropogenic) sources. Natural air pollution stems from various biotic and abiotic sources such as plants, radiological decomposition, forest fires, volcanoes and other geothermal sources and emissions from land and water. These result in a natural background concentration that varies according to local sources or specific weather conditions [1]. Many industrial plants and heavy traffic may produce heavy metal into atmosphere. The changes in life style increases the levels at which trace metals are Emissions from traffic contain many toxic heavy metals such as; Pb, Cd and Zn [2]. Meteorological conditions and local sources have an important role on trace element concentrations. Airborne particles are important carriers of metals [8]

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