ABSTRACT
The inorganic chemical composition of atmospheric total suspended particles [TSP] was studied in the region of Selaata, around a phosphate fertilizer factory, between April and June, 2008. Water soluble anions and metal analysis were conducted using ion chromatography [I.C.] and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer [ICP-MS] respectively. The results showed moderate industrial contribution to the anions loads, but mostly in nitrates which were linked to gas-particle conversion of NO2 emitted from heavy duty machinery. High metals content were verified with a remarkable enrichment in the downwind sites. The enrichment factor analysis showed high values for P, Ca, V, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr. This enrichment resulted from many anthropogenic sources in the area, from which dry milling of phosphate rocks, chemical reactions used for fertilizer production, and vehicles activities were the most prominent
ABSTRACT
In North Lebanon, the region of Chekka represents a group of villages scattered around an industrial complex of cement factories and a chemical fertilizer industry. In order to understand the nature of atmospheric aerosols in this region, 20 samples of atmospheric total suspended particles were collected next to the region of industrial activities. The analysis of inorganic water soluble ions and metal composition of the sampled particles was achieved using ion chromatography [I.C.] and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer [ICP-MS]. Higher global particle concentrations and NO3 - concentrations were identified in the sites near the cement factories. However, this nitrate concentration was attributed to long range transport and accumulation phenomenon happening in the region. Peaks in potassium concentrations were confirmed in some samples and most probably emitted by a secondary source of emissions, possibly from local biomass combustion. On the other hand, low levels of calcium were identified in the samples, despite the presence of cement quarries next to the sampling sites, because of the dominant low wind activity during the sampling period