محتوى عناصر الأتربة المستنشقة والمأخوذة من الأماكن السكنية والصناعية بمدينة الطائف

Abstract

Atmospheric aerosol particles PM2.5 were collected from two different sites (industrial and residential) in Taif during the summer of 2011. The industrial site was situated in the largest industrial area of Taif, and the residential site was situated on Television Street, which is the city’s most crowded area. PM2.5 samples were collected on polycarbonate filters using a cyclonic collector. Each sample was collected over a 24 hour period and new samples were collected weekly. An Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer with a Mo secondary target was used to analyze the solid samples because of the relative simplicity of the technique and the widespread availability of the corresponding spectrometer. The use of a Mo secondary target is advantageous because it decreases the impact of continuum radiation from the x-ray tube and increases the signal to background ratio. Quantitative X-ray Analysis Software (PyMca) was used to perform quantitative analysis of the atmospheric aerosols. Direct analysis resulted in detected concentrations for sixteen elements; Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Pb and Black Carbon (BC). The measured concentrations of the potentially hazardous trace elements Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb were below the limits defined by international guidelines and national standards for ambient air quality. However, further long-term research will be required to validate the quantification of trace elements in particulate matter in Taif.