Comparative evaluation of some pollutants in the airborne particulate matter in Eastern and Western Europe: two-city study, Bucharest–Stuttgart

An exemplary comparative evaluation is presented of the measurements of some elements contained in airborne particulate matter, carried out during 1 year (1993–94) at two locations in Eastern and Western Europe (Bucharest and Stuttgart). Seventeen environmentally relevant elements: As, Ba, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, Sb, Se, V and Zn, were measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and/or by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRFA). The absolute and relative mean air pollution levels for this period are discussed. They are generally higher at Bucharest than Stuttgart, but to very different degrees. The seasonal variations give hints at the possible air pollution sources at the two locations. The calculated correlations between elements reveal quite different ‘relationshipʹ patterns for Bucharest and Stuttgart. The influence of the meteorological conditions is also taken into account. In order to relate pollution levels to deposition rates an attempt was made to use grass specimens, grown and exposed under standard conditions (Scholl), as bioaccumulators. The results are discussed in detail.