Resumen

MACHADO, Analí et al. PM₁₀ METALS AND THEIR ATMOSPHERIC DISPERSION IN A ZONE OF HIGH VEHICULAR TRAFFIC DENSITY. INCI [online]. 2007, vol.32, n.5, pp.312-317. ISSN 0378-1844.

Due to the increased interest in health effects of inhalable particles (PM₁₀), the levels of eight trace metals (Pb, Al, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, V, Cd) in such particles were evaluated in atmospheric samples of a high traffic density area. Samples were collected at two different sites (considered as emission and dispersion areas) during dry and wet season periods, using a low volume air sampler equipped with quartz fiber filters. The samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry after acid extraction. PM₁₀ concentrations were twice as high in the emission area than in the dispersion area for both climatic regimes, but exhibited a better correlation between sites during the dry season. All the metals except V and Cu showed statistically significant differences between monitoring sites. Considering the total sampling period for PM₁₀ as well as for all the metals, there are significant differences between sites and between seasons. The Venezuelan air quality standard for Pb was not exceeded, but a mean concentration of 1.13μg/m³, very close to Venezuelan and USEPA standards was obtained at the emission site. Meanwhile, Pb and Ni levels for both locations were above the limit allowed by WHO during the whole sampling period. The statistical analysis demonstrated an adequate selection of the monitoring areas, confirming that the main emission source of these atmospheric pollutants are motor vehicles.

Palabras clave : Absorción Atómica; Contaminación; Emisiones Vehiculares; Metales; PM₁₀.