In this study, the physical characteristics and metal contents of particulate matter (PM) have been determined. In this scope, PM sampling has been done at 5 stations (Avcılar, Beşiktaş, Kilyos, Rasathane, Göztepe) for 2 years. PM filter samples were collected for 8 different size(<0.43 µm, 1-0.43 µm, 1-1.7 µm, 1.7-2.6 µm, 2.6-3.5 µm, 3.5-5 µm, 5.2-6.5 µm, 6.5-8 µm and >8 µm) using the cascade impactor. PM filters were decomposed and analyzed for 8 metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd and V). According to the results, trace element concentrations at all the stations were at least 2 times higher than at the Kilyos station which was selected as the urban background station. Pb, Cd and V elements are mainly present in fine fraction of PM, while Cu, Mn and Fe mass is found in coarse fraction of PM. Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) values for crustal element (Fe, Cr, Cu and Mn) were found to be in the coarse size fraction and anthropogenic element (Pb, Cd and V) were found to be in the fine particles. The major PM source was observed industrial facilities at the Avcılar; traffic and domestic heating at the Beşiktaş, Göztepe and Rasathane.

In this study, the size distribution characteristics and metal contents of particulate matter (PM) have been determined. In this scope, PM sampling has been done at five stations in Istanbul. PM filter samples were collected for eight different sizes using the Anderson cascade impactor. PM filters were decomposed and analyzed for 20 metals. The highest median concentration for Fe, Ca, K, and Mg, known as soil metals, were observed as follows: Fe and Ca were observed at Goztepe station (1.20 and 8.28 μg/m(3)), K was observed at Kilyos station (0.33 μg/m(3)), and Mg was observed at Avcilar station (0.37 μg/m(3)). The highest median concentrations for Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, V, As, Se, Co, and Cd, known as anthropogenic metals, were observed at Avcilar, Goztepe, and Besiktas stations. Although the lowest metal concentrations was determined at Kilyos stations that was selected as the urban background. The enrichment factors (EFs) of most metals in the fine PM is higher than those in the coarse mode. According to the factor analyses, the most important emission source was observed to be industrial facilities at Avcilar; traffic at Besiktas; traffic and domestic heating at Goztepe; and domestic heating, sea salt aerosols, and ship traffic (in the Bosphorus Channel of Istanbul) at Rasathane.