Identification of local sources of lead in atmospheric deposits in an urban area in Southern Brazil using stable lead isotope ratios

Lead concentrations of several thousand mg kg−1 were found in the atmospheric deposit samples and tens of thousand mg kg−1 in the soil samples in the city of Rio Grande in southern Brazil. Stable lead isotopes ratios were used to identify local sources of lead contamination. A significant source of lead in samples taken in a nearby fishing village was the production of lead weights by local fishermen. In suburban areas of the city lead used in roof construction, appears to be a major source of lead in atmospheric samples. Atmospheric samples obtained in the oldest part of the city, show anomalous lead results possibly due to lead paint from abandoned buildings. Sources of lead were differentiated on the basis of their 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb ratio.