Platinum group elements (Pt, Pd, Rh) in airborne particulate matter in rural vs. urban areas of Germany: Concentrations and spatial patterns of distribution

This study examines platinum group element concentrations (PGE) (i.e. platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh)) and their spatial distribution in airborne particulate matter fractions (PM) of human health concern in urban and rural areas of Germany. Fractionated airborne dust and PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 samples were collected along a busy road in Frankfurt am Main from July 2008 to April 2010. PM10 was also sampled in Deuselbach and Neuglobsow between January 2008 and July 2009 to examine their concentrations at rural locations and potential for long-range transport.Pt, Pd and Rh were isolated and pre-enriched in samples using a combination of Te and Hg co-precipitation methods. Concentrations were determined using isotope dilution ICP-Q-MS (in collision mode with He).The highest airborne PGE concentrations were measured in PM10 from Frankfurt (e.g. 12.4 pg Pt/m3 (mean)), while the rural locations of Deuselbach and Neuglobsow exhibited the lowest levels (e.g. 2 pg Pt/m3 (mean)). PGE concentrations were observed to decline with increasingly smaller PM size fractions from PM10 to PM1. All size fractions generally contained higher levels of Pd compared to Pt and Rh, an element of greater concern due to its solubility. PM2.5 collected in Frankfurt had a mean of 16.1 pg Pd/m3, compared to 9.4 pg/m3 for Pt. PGE concentrations also demonstrated a distinct seasonal relationship, with the greatest levels occurring in winter. Compared to a previous study in 2002, PGE concentrations in fractionated airborne dust have significantly increased over time. Elevated PGE levels were also measured for PM10 sampled in Neuglobsow and Deuselbach, which could not be attributed to local emission sources. Using the diagnostic meteorological model, CALMET, trajectory analyses confirmed our hypothesis that PGE are being transported over longer distances from other areas of Europe.

► Platinum group element (PGE) levels in airborne PM of human health concern have increased with time.
► Data on platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd) levels in PM1 reported for first time.
► PGE concentrations in rural areas of Germany do not reflect local emission sources.
► PGE are likely transported long-distances from urban to rural locations.
► PGE concentrations in airborne PM are higher in winter compared to summer.