Geochemical characterization of Cu-smelter emission plumes with impact in an urban area of SW Spain

In this study, we present the levels and chemical composition of PM10 and PM2.5 from an urban background monitoring station to assess the impact of Cu-smelter emission plumes on the city of Huelva (south-western Spain).High concentrations of arsenic were measured in PM10 in 2005 (10.59 ng m− 3), compared to 2004 (4.67 ng m− 3), which was higher than the target value proposed by the EU as a recommended average value (6 ng m− 3 in PM10, European Commission, 2004). The PM2.5 arsenic fraction made up 85% of the total PM10 arsenic fraction. The increase in As concentration is synchronic with other metals such as Cu, Zn, Se and Bi, and is around 3–5 times higher than at other sites in Spain.The source relating to Cu-smelter emissions accounted for 8% of the bulk mass (3.2 µg PM10 m− 3). Although this source is one of the minor contributions to total PM10, most heavy metals of environmental interest (As, Se, Bi, Cu, Zn...) are included in it.Three meteorological scenarios were differentiated during episodes of Cu-smelter emission plumes impacting the city of Huelva, coinciding with third-quadrant wind directions. High concentrations of SO2 and metals in the urban environment air are tracers of the impact of Cu-smelter emission plumes.The methodology used in this study can help in air quality management, and can be used to support strategic plans to reduce the metal emissions from Cu-smelters in order to meet European Directives (e.g. EU, 1999; EU, 2004).