Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4450868 Atmospheric Research 2009 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

Inorganic ions and trace metals in total suspended particles were measured during the period 2006–2007 at four sites; three urban sites in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) and one nearby rural site in the state of Morelos. SO42−, NO3−, Cl− and NH4+ ions were analyzed by ion chromatography; Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, and Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb and V by an atomic absorption spectrometer with a graphite furnace attachment. The results indicated that SO42− was the most abundant ion. All trace elements except Mn and V showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites. Pearson's correlation applied to all data showed a high correlation among SO42−, NO3− and NH4+, indicating a common anthropogenic origin. In addition, the correlation observed between Ca2+ and Al indicated a crustal origin, as supported by the enrichment factors. Over the total sampling period, significant differences in particles and trace metals were found between sites and meteorological seasons. To gain a better insight into the origin of trace metals and major inorganic ions, a Principal Component Analysis was applied to the results for six trace metal and eight inorganic ions.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Earth and Planetary Sciences Atmospheric Science
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