Long-term measurements of iron-containing aerosols by Mössbauer spectroscopy in Poland

Mössbauer spectroscopy was applied to analyze the iron compounds present in atmospheric aerosol. As a significant part of air pollution, especially in winter months, iron appeared in the form of iron sulfides (FeS2, FeS and Fe1−xS), which were products of coal combustion. Also, iron oxyhydroxides and iron oxides, mostly α-Fe2O3 (bulk) and in the form of ultra fine particles in superparamagnetic state were observed. The concentration of iron in atmospheric air was calculated from the experimental spectra. Seasonal variations of iron concentration in atmospheric air measured over twenty years in the mountain region of Poland are discussed.