Airborne mineral components and trace metals in Paris region: spatial and temporal variability

Abstract

A variety of mineral components (Al, Fe) and trace metals (V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) were simultaneously measured in PM2.5 and PM10 fractions at three different locations (traffic, urban, and suburban) in the Greater Paris Area (GPA) on a daily basis throughout a year. Mineral species and trace metal levels measured in both fractions are in agreement with those reported in the literature and below the thresholds defined by the European guidelines for toxic metals (Cd, Ni, Pb). Size distribution between PM2.5 and PM10 fractions revealed that mineral components prevail in the coarse mode, while trace metals are mainly confined in the fine one. Enrichment factor analysis, statistical analysis, and seasonal variability suggest that elements such as Mn, Cr, Zn, Fe, and Cu are attributed to traffic, V and Ni to oil combustion while Cd and Pb to industrial activities with regional origin. Meteorological parameters such as rain, boundary layer height (BLH), and air mass origin were found to significantly influence element concentrations. Periods with high frequency of northern and eastern air masses (from high populated and industrialized areas) are characterized by high metal concentrations. Finally, inner city and traffic emissions were also evaluated in PM2.5 fraction. Significant contributions (>50 %) were measured in the traffic site for Mn, Fe, Cr, Zn, and Cu, confirming that vehicle emissions contribute significantly to their levels, while in the urban site, the lower contributions (18 to 33 %) for all measured metals highlight the influence of regional sources on their levels.

Determinants of serum manganese levels in an Italian population

“…However, in a study carried out in Greece, the analysis of size distribution and composition of airborne particulate matter and associated Mn in the roadside environment showed that ~1/3 of Mn content is detected in coarse (i.e., PM 10 ) particles (70). Furthermore, a similar study in the Paris region, demonstrated a higher contribution of Mn in the PM 10 fraction, due to road dust resuspension, break and tire wear, and road wear abrasion (26).…”

“…We also considered the participants exposure to traffic contaminants as a proxy of outdoor Mn exposure, by estimating the concentration of particulate matter <10 µm (PM 10 ) at their residences as described elsewhere (18,24,25). Previous studies showed that motor vehicle emissions are important sources of ambient Mn (26,27). We implemented this approach since traffic was expected to be by far the main source of exposure for this population, also for the absence of major industrial emissions in the study area.…”

Heavy Metals in Air Nanoparticles in Affected Industry Area

“…Trace elements originating from anthropogenic activities accumulate in fine-particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 µm, elements derived from natural sources are mainly present in particles larger than 2.5 μm [4]. These particles also contain metals released mainly from mechanical processes, e.g.…”

Association between personal exposure to ambient metals and respiratory disease in Italian adolescents: a cross-sectional study

“…Even though we have focused on the role of ferroalloy emissions as the source for these ambient metals, these metals are also emitted during a variety of other processes. Motor vehicle emissions are important sources of ambient Mn, Fe, Cr and Zn [ 38 , 39 ]. Other sources of ambient Fe include oil combustion, road dust, and re-suspended soils [ 38 , 40 ].…”