Distribution characteristics of acid-dissolved trace metals of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in Kurashiki, Japan

This study was undertaken to examine the distribution characteristics of such trace metals in fine particulate (especially with diameters of less than 2.1 microns). The acid-dissolved metals in suspended particulate matter (0.1-9.0 microns) were examined with consideration given to particle size over a 2-year period. It became clear the metals of artificial origin such as Pb, V, Cd, Ni, Cr exist in fine particulates (0.1 or more 2.0 microns), whereas metals of natural origin, such as Ti, Mn, Mg, and Sr primarily exist in coarse particles (2.1-9.0 microns) in Kurashiki City, near the Mizushima Industrial Area in Japan.