Elemental compositions of PM10–2.5 and PM2.5 aerosols of a Nigerian urban city using ion beam analytical techniques

The paucity of data on air quality studies in Nigeria prompted us to commence the sampling of particulate matter (PM10–2.5 and PM2.5) in Mushin Lagos, Nigeria. Both size-segregated fractions were collected using a double staged ‘Gent’ stack filter unit sampler. Elemental characterization was carried out by Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Proton Induced γ-ray Emission (PIGE) techniques using an external ion beam set-up. Twenty-four elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cs and Pb) were detected in both fractions and their concentrations were assessed. A study of their inter-elemental correlations indicated that some elements could have common source origins or similar chemical properties while enrichment factors (EF) displayed that most elements emanated from anthropogenic sources. Source apportionment studies are thus recommended.