13 Environmental Geochemistry (Posters)

Thursday, 29 March 2012
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Juarez 1 and 2

HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION OF PM2.5 IN THE ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT OF METROPOLITAN ZONE OF MEXICO CITY

Paper number: 13-6
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

The distribution of trace metals within atmospheric particles has been studied for the metropolitan area of Mexico City. A series of PM2.5 samples were collected at five different sites on the Metropolitan Zone of Mexico City (northwest, northeast, center, southwest, southeast). Samples were collected in Abril 2011 (dry-warm season). Trace elements determinations were carried out by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Se, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Tl and Pb.

The highest mass concentration for the many elements was observed at northeast, which is one of the most heavily traffic exposed sites in Mexico City. The lowest average PM 2.5 levels were measured at Coyoacán. A positive correlation is showed between Fe, Mn and Cu as well as Se and Sn and Sb whit Tl. This relationship indicates a common source for these elements. The average concentration is compared whit those reported in urban samples from urban areas in the world.