Determination of Water-Soluble Trace Elements in the PM 10 and PM 2.5 of Palermo Town (Italy)

Daniela Varrica () and Maria Grazia Alaimo
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Daniela Varrica: Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Via Archirafi 22, 90123 Palermo, Italy
Maria Grazia Alaimo: Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Via Archirafi 22, 90123 Palermo, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: This study contributes to the current knowledge on the solubility of trace elements in the atmospheric particulate matter of the urban area of Palermo. Daily sample filters of PM 10 and PM 2.5 were collected in monitoring stations within and outside the urban area, characterized by variable traffic density. The bulk of compositions in PM 10 and PM 2.5 were determined by ICP-MS. The water-soluble trace elements (WSTE) and major ion components of particulate matter were determined by ICP-MS and ion chromatography, respectively. A significant difference in the metals content was observed between the samples taken in urban areas and those from suburban areas. The calculated enrichment factor highlights the high values for Cu, Mo, Sb, V, and Zn, confirming the contribution of human activities. The leaching test was applied to PM 10 and PM 2.5 filters and showed different behaviors and transport of metals and metalloids. The calculated leaching coefficient highlights the metals typically produced by anthropic activities, compared to those of geogenic origin, are much more soluble in water and have greater mobility. The factor analysis was used to identify the sources of water-soluble ions. The main sources are anthropic, geogenic, and sea spray. The final objective of this study is to obtain, with the aid of leaching experiments on PM 2.5 and PM 10 filter samples, information about the bioavailability and mobility of the different metals and metalloids that could be used as the scientific basis for public health intervention and to raise the prevention and control of heavy metal pollution in the urban environment, especially in densely populated areas.

Keywords: leaching test; water-soluble ions; trace elements; PM 10 and PM 2.5; atmospheric pollution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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