The role of spectrochemical analysis in the determination of the composition of atmospheric precipitation and aerosol samples in remote environments

Abstract

In recent years there has been an increased interest in trace metals in atmospheric precipitation and air and their environmental effects. In estimating pollution it is necessary to know the background concentrations of the heavy metals as measured in remote areas far from human activities. From this standpoint spectroanalytical methods cover a wide range of concentrations and are unique in their ability to determine the composition of precipitation and aerosol samples, including toxic trace metals. In the present study determinations of major, minor, and trace metals were performed by ICP-AES and GFAAS. Microwave digestion and flow-injection enrichment methods were designed for this purpose. From the experimental data background levels of metals in atmospheric precipitation and air at a remote location in Hungary were ascertained.