engleski

Heavy Metals and Acidic Components in Total Deposited Matter in Šibenik and National Park Kornati, Croatia

This paper presents the results of six years (1999-2004) of monitoring acidic components (fluoride, chloride, nitrate, sulphate) and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, thallium) in total deposited matter (TDM) in the town of Šibenik and the National Park Kornati, Croatia, in order to determine their levels, spatial and temporal variations, and possible emission source. Bulk deposition samples were collected using the Bergerhoff samplers. Total deposited matter was determined gravimetrically. Acidic anions were analysed using ion chromatography. Metallic components were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results show that the levels of measured pollutants were relatively low compared to those reported in other investigations. Statistical analysis indicates that the measured pollutants originate from several sources such as re-suspended soil, industry, road dust, traffic, and secondary aerosols as the most important. The levels of TDM show a slightly increasing trend at all sampling sites. A significant increasing trend in the levels of nitrate and sulphate in TDM could be the consequence of increasing traffic activity and urbanisation. The significant increasing trend in the ratio between nitrate and sulphate in TDM indicates that nitrate and sulphate relative contribution to acidification is increasing. The level of heavy metals in TDM was in order of lead > thallium > cadmium at all sampling sites with slightly decreasing trend.

lead; cadmium; thallium; fluoride; chloride; nitrate; sulphate; PCA

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