Metals in airborne particulate matter in La Coruña (NW Spain)

A study of heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Mn, V, Zn and Fe) concentrations in atmospheric particulate by sampling particulate matter is described at two different locations in La Coruña (NW Spain), using high volume samplers equipped with glass microfiber filters. Filters were subjected to an acidic extraction. Heavy metal determination was performed by means of atomic absorption spectroscopy with electrothermal atomization for Pb, Mn, Cd and V, with an air-acetylene flame for Fe, Zn and Cu. Principal components analysis suggest two main sources of elements: anthropogenic and soil crosion patterns. Results showed that the particulate matter concentration depends on atmospheric conditions.