Comparative studies of atmospheric trace elements: improvements in air quality near a copper smelter

Measurements of trace element concentrations, including heavy metals in the atmosphere near a copper smelter in Port Kembla, New South Wales, have shown improvements in air quality, attributed mainly to modernisation of the plant, with more than 85% decrease (for each element) in airborne Cr, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, Sb, Au and Pb, associated with 74% reduction in Cu concentration. This data was obtained by analysis of air particulate sampled in 2001–2002 for comparison with measurements at the same location in 1978. As expected, measurements of Na and Cl derived from the marine aerosol at this coastal location showed no corresponding change. The recent analysis of air particulate shows significant correlations between the monthly concentrations of Cu, Zn, Se, Ag and Pb, associated with industry, hence giving a high enrichment in airborne particulate by reference to the element/Sc ratios in ‘average’ soil. These enrichments, shown by heavy metals in particular, were two orders of magnitude greater than the values recorded in the atmosphere of rural areas; however, it is clear that air quality at Port Kembla is much improved and predominantly related to the modernisation of the smelter.