Heavy metals in airborne particulate matter of urban Coimbatore

Mohanraj, R; Azeez, PA; Priscilla, T

HERO ID

2081554

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2004

Language

English

PMID

15386140

HERO ID 2081554
In Press No
Year 2004
Title Heavy metals in airborne particulate matter of urban Coimbatore
Authors Mohanraj, R; Azeez, PA; Priscilla, T
Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Volume 47
Issue 2
Page Numbers 162-167
Abstract Exposures to airborne metals are known to cause physiological responses in organisms and wide-ranging health effects in humans. Hence determination of metals in particulate matter is important from a toxicological perspective. In the current study heavy metals associated with respirable (RSPM) and nonrespirable (NRSPM) fractions of suspended particulate matter were estimated in air samples from six stations in Coimbatore, India, during March 1999 to February 2001. The mean quantity of heavy metals in RSPM was in the order Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cd. Concentrations of these heavy metals were in the range of BDL (below detectable level) to 2,147 ng/m3 in RSPM. The highest level of lead (2,147 ng/m(3)) was recorded at an industrial station. The station also had the highest mean value (481 +/- 544.3 ng/m(3)), suggesting the importance of industrial operations in determining the ambient concentrations of lead. Significant positive correlation among metals excepting lead and copper suggests that they originate mostly from a common source. Air samples of urban and industrial areas showed higher concentrations than residential (Urban) and suburban areas.
Doi 10.1007/s00244-004-3054-9
Pmid 15386140
Wosid WOS:000222803400004
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English