PM₁₀-bound trace elements in pan-European urban atmosphere

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on ambient trace elements (TEs) in urban PM10 across Europe.
• Understanding TEs' phenomenology is crucial for air quality management and public health.
• Long-term, multi-site data are needed to capture spatio-temporal trends and source contributions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the phenomenology of 20 ambient trace elements (TEs) in PM10 within urban European atmospheres.
• To analyze the spatio-temporal distribution and interrelationships of TEs across diverse monitoring sites.
• To provide a comprehensive dataset for informing environmental protection policies in Europe.

Main Methods:

• Compiled a decade (2013-2022) of PM10 speciation data from 55 sites in 7 European countries.
• Classified monitoring sites into urban background, traffic, industrial, suburban background, and rural background.
• Employed standardized sampling protocols and high-volume air samplers for data comparability.

Main Results:

• The annual average concentration of 20 TEs in PM10 was 90 ± 65 ng/m³.
• Traffic and industrial sites exhibited the highest TEs concentrations (130 ± 66 and 131 ± 80 ng/m³, respectively).
• Significant seasonal variability in TEs concentrations was observed across all site types (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Zn, Ti, and Cu were dominant non-carcinogenic TEs, while Cr and Ni were prominent carcinogenic TEs.
• TE concentrations and their correlations varied significantly by season and location, reflecting emission sources and meteorology.
• This study offers valuable insights into urban TEs in Europe, supporting future environmental policy development.