The effect of urban pollution on lead levels in air of the city of Valencia (Spain). May 1989–October 1990

The concentration of lead was determined in 583 samples of airborne particulate matter from the city of Valencia (Spain) by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Atmospheric particulates were collected with membrane filters (0.8 μm) using low volume samplers (approx. 2 m3/day) at nine different sites over a period of one year. A relation between the traffic flow and the level of lead pollution was observed. The highest values of lead appeared during the autumn and the lowest in summer. The mean lead concentration in the atmosphere in Valencia was higher than the European Community (EC) limit (2 μg/m3) from November 1989 to March 1990. The annual average lead level in the city of Valencia was 2 μg/m3, equal to the EC limit.