Trace elements total content and particle sizes distribution in the air particulate matter of a rural-residential area in north Italy investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis

The concentrations (ng/m3) of more than 30 trace elements have been determined in the total air particulate of a rural-residential area in north Italy. By collecting the aerosols with multistage impactors the distribution of the trace elements in the different size-fractionated particles has been also investigated. The fine `inhalableʹ fraction with particles of less than 10 μm in equivalent aerodynamic diameter (PM10) as well as the subsequent finest `respirableʹ fractions with particles of 0–1.1 μm (alveolar), 1.1–4.6 μm (bronchial) and 4.6–9 μm (tracheo–pharynx) have been analyzed and evaluated. Apart from Pb, Cd and, in some cases, Ni and Cu which have been determined by ETAAS (electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy), all measurements have been carried out by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA).