Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
2214112 
Journal Article 
Metallic species in ambient air particles of Canary Islands. Soluble fraction in total suspended matter 
Lopez Cancio, J; Deniz Sanchez, A; Santana Aleman, P 
2013 
Yes 
Afinidad
ISSN: 0001-9704 
70 
561 
33-40 
At the present work total and water-soluble fractions of metallic species present in total suspended particulates (TSP) in an urban area of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) were quantified. Experimental measurements were made from October 2004 to September 2005 on a total of 53 samples (4 or 5 per month). Particulate matter (TSP) was collected in fiber filters and high volume samplers. Average concentration was 68.5 +/- 35.5 mu g/m(3). TSP was determined gravimetrically. Water soluble fraction was extracted by sonication. Concentrations of metallic elements were analized by atomic emission spectrophotometry using an ICP-OES. According to their concentration levels, two categories of elements were found: "abundant" and "scarce" elements. In water soluble, "abundant" fraction consisted mainly of Na, Ca, K and Zn; among "scarce" Cu and Ti predomine. Availability of all soluble elements was stablished. High coefficients for all of them (specially for Mn with 99,9%) were found. In order to identify sources of metallic species factor analysis was used. The result show that Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Na and K come from natural sources; Ni, Co, V, Mo, Pt, Zn, Cu, Sb and Cr from anthropogenic. 
Suspended matter; TSP; soluble metallic species; Gran Canaria; Canary Islands