Temporal determination of heavy metals in PM2.5 aerosols in a suburban site of Athens, Greece

Abstract

Twenty-three hours samples of airborne aerosols PM2.5 were collected during summer (August–September) and winter (October–November) 2003 in a suburban area of Athens (Aghia Paraskevi), Greece. The objective of this study is the determination of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Ni, Pb, As) concentration in PM2.5. In particular, the mean daily concentrations of the five detected metals are compared to the limit values established by the E.U (Directive 96/62/E.U.) and correlated with the mean daily concentrations of PM2.5 as well as with meteorological parameters. Finally, the present work examines the daily levels of fine particles in comparison with the proposed limit values from the U.S. Environmental Pollution Agency (65 μg/m3) and investigates their interaction with other inorganic air pollutants. The concentrations of PM2.5 as well as the concentrations of the five heavy metals proved to be lower than the limit values. Additionally fine particles proved to be strongly influenced by the photochemical processes that take place during the hot days of the year. As far as the heavy metals are concerned, only Cd and Pb seem to be slightly correlated.