Jump to main content
US EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Search
Search
Main menu
Environmental Topics
Laws & Regulations
About EPA
Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)
Contact Us
Print
Feedback
Export to File
Search:
This record has one attached file:
Add More Files
Attach File(s):
Display Name for File*:
Save
Citation
Tags
HERO ID
20538
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
A global assessment of natural sources of atmospheric trace metals
Author(s)
Nriagu, JO
Year
1989
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Nature
ISSN:
0028-0836
EISSN:
1476-4687
Volume
338
Issue
6210
Page Numbers
47-49
Language
English
DOI
10.1038/338047a0
Abstract
A proper inventory of atmospheric emissions from natural sources is basic to our understanding of the atmospheric cycle of the trace metals (and metalloids), and is also needed for assessing the extent of regional and global pollution by toxic metals. It is generally presumed that the principal natural sources of trace metals in the atmosphere are windborne soil particles, volcanoes, seasalt spray and wild forest fires. Recent studies have shown, however, that particulate organic matter is the dominant component of atmospheric aerosols in non-urban areas and that over 60% of the airborne trace metals in forested regions can be attributed to aerosols of biogenic origin. Here I estimate that biogenic sources can account for 30-50% of the global baseline emissions of trace metals. For most of the toxic metals, the natural fluxes are small compared with emissions from industrial activities, implying that mankind has become the key agent in the global atmospheric cycle of trace metals and metalloids.
Tags
•
Chromium VI
Not in Lit Search
•
Cobalt
References from Other Sources
ATSDR
•
ISA-Lead (2013 Final Project Page)
Considered
Cited
1st Draft
2nd Draft
3rd Draft
Final
Atmospheric and Exposure Sciencies
Home
Learn about HERO
Using HERO
Search HERO
Projects in HERO
Risk Assessment
Transparency & Integrity