Assessment of suspended particulate matters and their heavy metal content in the ambient air of Mobarakeh city, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the quality of Mobarakeh ambient air in terms of suspended particles and heavy metals. Material and Methods: The current study was carried out in Mobarakeh city, Isfahan, Iran. Air sampling was performed in three sites for a 1-year period (in 2007). Measurement of total suspended particles (TSP) and heavy metals was achieved using high volume air sampler with fiberglass filter. The concentration of heavy metals, including Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, and Cu was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The average concentration of TSP was maximum and minimum in autumn and spring, respectively. In addition, the average of annual TSP concentration (124.61 mg/L) was more than World Health Organization (WHO) and US Environmental Protection Agency standard values. The analysis of filtered suspended particles for heavy metals showed the highest concentration for Iron. The average annual concentration of Nickel was also more than its proposed standard by WHO. Conclusion: This study showed that ambient air of Mobarakeh city is polluted by TSP. The high concentration of Fe and Ni in this area may be attributed to the nearby industrial emissions. Therefore, in industrial areas, efforts should be taken to control the atmospheric pollution in order to protect humans from hazardous health effects of these potentially toxic pollutants.

Keywords

• Air pollution
• heavy metals
• Mobarakeh city
• TSP