Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, and Zn in particulate matter (PM) 10 ambient air samples were determined for the urban zone of Tampico, Mexico every 6 days during 2004. A Wedding and Associates PM 10 highvolume sampler was used to collect the particles on quartz and glass fiber filters. A Thermo Jarrel Ash inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to identify and quantify metals in PM 10 according to the USEPA-IO 3.1 method. A scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) was used to analyze the elemental composition, size, and morphology of atmospheric particles. Principal component factor analysis (PCFA) was used to study the sources of PM 10 and metals. PM 10 and Pb concentrations in Tampico did not exceed the Mexican standard value of 120 and 1.5 μg m −3 in 24 h, respectively. PM 10 concentrations ranged from 12 to 47 μg m −3 . The results for Cd, Cr, and Cu are associated to the presence of an industrial source near the sampling site. V and Zn and likely Pb and Ni are related to a refinery. Fe and Ti are associated to natural sources, whereas Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn are associated to the storage and transportation of minerals near the sampling zone. Mn is associated to a ferromanganese manufacturing industry and to the refinery. The SEM-EDS micrographs show porous spherical particles rich in V and Ni and smooth spherical particles rich in C and O.
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, México, during the winter of 2003. The 24-hour PM 10 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 PM 10 and lead concentrations were 12.05 and 0.040 µg/m 3 , respectively, not exceeding Méxican standard values. The greatest metal concentration was that of manganese with 0.90 µg/m 3 , followed by Cu and Ni with 0.17 and 0.012 µg/m 3 , respectively. Agglomerates, well-defined particles, and heavy metals (e .g., Mn and Cu) were found in PM 10 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.
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