Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
1850446 
Journal Article 
Impact of Sahara dust transport on Cape Verde atmospheric element particles 
Almeida-Silva, M; Almeida, SM; Freitas, MC; Pio, CA; Nunes, T; Cardoso, J 
2013 
1 
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A: Current Issues
ISSN: 1528-7394
EISSN: 1087-2620 
Taylor & Francis Group Ltd., 2 Park Square Oxford OX14 4RN United Kingdom 
76 
4-5 
240-251 
English 
23514066 
WOS:000316327900003 
The objectives of this study were to (1) conduct an elemental characterization of airborne particles sampled in Cape Verde and (2) assess the influence of Sahara desert on local suspended particles. Particulate matter (PM(10)) was collected in Praia city (14°94'N; 23°49'W) with a low-volume sampler in order to characterize its chemical composition by k0-INAA. The filter samples were first weighed and subsequently irradiated at the Portuguese Research Reactor. Results showed that PM(10) concentrations in Cape Verde markedly exceeded the health-based air quality standards defined by the European Union (EU), World Health Organization (WHO), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in part due to the influence of Sahara dust transport. The PM(10) composition was characterized essentially by high concentrations of elements originating from the soil (K, Sm, Co, Fe, Sc, Rb, Cr, Ce, and Ba) and sea (Na), and low concentrations of anthropogenic elements (As, Zn, and Sb). In addition, the high concentrations of PM measured in Cape Verde suggest that health of the population may be less affected compared with other sites where PM(10) concentrations are lower but more enriched with toxic elements. 
Cape Verde; Standards; Health; Dust; Toxicology; Concentration (composition); Chromium; Transport; 2013)