Pb isotopic ratios in airborne PM10 of an iron/metal industrial complex area and nearby residential areas: Implications for ambient sources of Pb pollution

This study examined four stable isotopic compositions of Pb in the PM10 (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb and 208Pb) along with the ambient Pb concentrations in two residences relative to their proximity to an iron and metal industrial complex (IMIC) as well as an industrial site located within the boundary of the IMIC. In addition, eight potential emission sources were investigated for stable isotopic compositions of Pb. The wintertime Pb isotopic ratios for 208Pb/206Pb for ambient samples of an industrial sampling site (ISS) were closer to those of the residential ambient air concentrations measured at closer proximity to the IMIC (RA1) compared to another residential area located further away (RA2). This finding suggests that the ambient Pb sources were more similar between RA1 and the ISS than between RA2 and the ISS. In contrast, the summertime Pb isotopic ratios for the ambient samples of the ISS were not similar to those for RA1, which in turn were similar to those for RA2. During the summer, it is suggested that motor vehicle emissions appear to be a potential source of Pb in the two residential areas. For the ISS, neither 207Pb/206Pb nor 208Pb/206Pb ratios showed a clear seasonal pattern. However for the ambient samples of the two residential areas, both the 207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb ratios exhibited a seasonal pattern, with relatively higher mean 207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb ratios during the summer season. It was further confirmed that the ambient Pb concentrations were significantly higher at the ISS than those for RA1, which in turn were significantly higher than those for RA2. At all three sampling sites, high enrichment factor values (≥ 475) were found for Pb.

Research Highlights►This study investigated stable Pb isotopic compositions of the PM10 to infer ambient Pb sources. ►A greater portion of Pb would be transported from an industrial complex to a nearby residential area. ►Potential wintertime Pb sources included slag, slag cement, and motor vehicle emissions.