Temporal determination of heavy metals in PM2.5 from Guiyang, Guizhou province, southwestern China

Abstract

Twelve hours integrated PM2.5 samples collected with a Weekly Air Particulate Sampler (URG Model 2000-01J) from September 2008 to November 2008 in Guiyang, China, were analyzed on the Kevex energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (XRF) for elements. Monitoring results found elevated concentrations of heavy metals (Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Pb) in PM2.5 in Guiyang. The average concentrations were 30±22 ng m-3 for Ti, 250±400 ng m-3 for Mn, 340±280 ng m-3 for Fe, 290±330 ng m-3 for Zn, and 130±130 ng m-3 for Pb, respectively. Temporal variation patterns in the resulting data were also obtained. It is hypothesized that local anthropogenic sources and the seasonal variability result in the temporal variability.

Keywords

• Heavy metals
• PM2.5, Meteorological parameters
• Anthropogenic sources