Assessment of Atmospheric heavy metal deposition in North Egypt aerosols using neutron activation analysis and optical emission inductively coupled plasma

The aim of the present study is to assess the current level of atmospheric heavy metal pollution of aerosols in different cities of North Egypt using the neutron activation analysis and optical emission inductively coupled plasma techniques. The results revealed that the highest concentrations of particulate matter PM10 and total suspended particulate matter were close to industrial areas. From the results of the enrichment factor calculations, the most significant elements of anthropogenic origin are Ba, Sb, Ce and Zn.

► Average concentration of Cd using OE-ICP is below detection limit for all the samples. ► Maximum average concentration of Pb in PM10 and TSP is 5425 and 570.3, respectively. ► Concentration of 20 elements in PM10 and TSP aerosols are determined using the NAA. ► EF revealed that Pb, Ba, Br, Ce, Hf, La Sb and Zn are of anthropogenic origin.