Size distribution and sources of trace metals and n-alkanes in the Athens urban aerosol during summer

• Published in: Atmospheric environment (1994) 2007-04, Vol.41 (11), p.2368-2381
• Main Authors: Karanasiou, A.A., Sitaras, I.E., Siskos, P.A., Eleftheriadis, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Coarse/fine aerosol; Exact sciences and technology; Mass median aerodynamic diameter; Motor vehicle emissions; n-alkanes; Pollutants physicochemistry study: properties, effects, reactions, transport and distribution; Pollution; Size distribution; Trace metals
• ISSN: 1352-2310; 1873-2844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2006.11.006

Size-resolved, 24-h aerosol samples were collected from June–July 2001 by means of an Andersen high-volume cascade impactor. Sampling was conducted in a central avenue (Patission) characterised by heavy traffic, 21 m above street level, in the Athens city centre. Samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry and gas chromatography to determine the size distribution of nine metallic elements (Cd, Pb, V, Ni, Mn, Cr, Cu, Fe, Al) and n-alkanes (with carbon numbers in the range 18–35). The aerosol mass median diameter (MMD) was calculated by means of probit analysis on the cumulative mass concentration size distribution for each metals and n-alkane. The total n-alkane mass concentration (TNA) in total suspended particles (TSP) ranged from 72 to 1506 ng m −3 while the total metal concentration ranged from 5.6 to 28.6 μg m −3. The results showed that metals such as Cd, V and Ni are characterised by a MMD