Trace metals in atmospheric particulates characterized of aerosol emitted by industrial and urban sources

The results of a year-long monitoring study in the Savona area of Italy focused on dust deposition to characterize the sources of airborne trace metals. The objective was to identify major pollutant sources by analyzing specific tracer metals, including cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni), and their Enrichment Factors. The methodology involved monitoring at three sampling stations within an industrial zone, allowing for the assessment of four primary emission sources: traffic, industrial plants, a large oil coal-fired power station, and residential heating, along with the resuspension of soil particles. Results indicated that the studied metals are effective indicators of specific source types, making it possible to distinguish their contributions to atmospheric pollution. The findings have implications for future studies aiming for a more comprehensive analysis in eleven additional stations, emphasizing the correlation between particle size distribution and metal concentration to further develop a mathematical model for dust dispersion. Overall, this study lays the groundwork for enhanced understanding of airborne trace metal sources in the region.