Zeitschrift für Umweltanalytische Chemie

Chemical Characterization of Atmospheric Particulate Matter for K, Cu, Ni and Zn Metals Collected from Agricultural, Semi-Urban and Commercial Locations in NW India

Abstract

Nirankar Singh, Susheel Mittal, Amit Awasthi, Ravinder Agarwal, Prabhat K Gupta

Atmospheric particulate samples (comprising ≤ 100 micron size particles) were collected from different locations in Patiala, India during 2006-2007 covering rural, agricultural, urban, semi-urban, residential and commercial areas. These samples were analysed to measure the concentration of potassium, copper, nickel and zinc metals by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and flame photometer. Average monthly concentration of particulate matter varied between 100 ± 30 μgm-3-593 ± 181 μgm-3 during the study period with higher levels in the month of April-May during summers and October-November. Around 80% samples were loaded with SPM>200 μgm-3. Concentration of Cu, Ni and Zn varied between 0.05 μgm-3 -1.45 μgm-3 while K concentration levels varied between 4.5 μgm-3 -20.2 μgm-3 with 60% samples having concentration>10 μgm-3. Monthly averaged SPM concentration levels were compared with the levels of selected metals. Results indicated significant spatial variation in the ambient air levels of SPM, Cu, Ni, Zn and K.