Metal content in air samples collected in an Urban zone in Tampico, Mxico: A first survey

R. M. Flores-Rangel, P. F. Rodrguez-Espinosa, J. A.Montes De Oca-Valero, V. Mugica-Alvarez, M. E. Ortiz-Romero-Vargas, M. Navarrete-Lopez, H. J. Dorantes-Rosales

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

With the aim to know possible risks to the population, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Tl were determined for the first time in airborne samples of particulate matter in an urban zone in Tampico, Mxico, during the winter of 2003. The 24-hour PM10 samples were collected every 6 days on quartz-filters by using a high volume sampler and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer. Standard reference material was used to verify metal recovery. The maximum PM10 and lead concentrations were 12.05 and 0.040 g/m3, respectively, not exceeding Mxican standard values. The greatest metal concentration was that of manganese with 0.90 g/m3, followed by Cu and Ni with 0.17 and 0.012 g/m3, respectively. Agglomerates, well-defined particles, and heavy metals (e.g., Mn and Cu) were found in PM10 using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. Meteorological conditions associated with the sampling period showed that Pb and Ni are being continuously emitted, and that Mn, Cu, and Co could come from one industry located to the WSW of the region. All of these concentrations do not constitute a potential risk to human health, although it is necessary to continue studying the high concentrations of Mn and Cu in longer sampling periods.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1359-1372
Number of pages14
JournalHuman and Ecological Risk Assessment
Volume13
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Air pollution
  • Airborne lead
  • Airborne manganese
  • Mxico
  • PM

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