Trace Metals in Global Air: First Results from the GAPS and GAPS Megacities Networks

Trace metals, as constituents of ambient air, can have impacts on human and environmental health. The Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling (GAPS) and GAPS Megacities (GAPS-MC) networks investigated trace metals in the air at 51 global locations by deploying polyurethane foam disk passive air samplers (PUF-PAS) for periods of 3-12 months. Aluminum and iron exhibited the highest concentrations in air (x̅ = 3400 and 4630 ng/m³, respectively), with notably elevated values at a rural site in Argentina thought to be impacted by resuspended soil. Urban sites had the highest levels of toxic Pb and Cd, with enrichment factors suggesting primarily anthropogenic influences. High levels of As at rural sites were also observed. Elevated trace metal concentrations in cities are associated with local emissions and higher PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations. Brake and tire wear-associated metals Sb, Cu, and Zn are significantly correlated and elevated at urban locations relative to those at background sites. These data demonstrate the versatility of PUF-PAS for measuring trace metals and other particle-associated pollutants in ambient air in a cost-effective and simple manner. The data presented here will serve as a global baseline for assessing future changes in ambient air associated with industrialization, urbanization, and population growth.