ABSTRACT
Air particulate samples collected during 1995-96 at a background site situated on the east coast of Thar Desert in Rajsthan State of India were analysed for atmospheric dust loads (Suspended Particulate Matter) and elemental composition. The values of SPM ranged from 9 microg M(-3) to 97 microg M(-3) with an average of 43 microg M(-3) except a few episodic values, which were 3 to 5 times higher than the average during summer months. The results for elemental composition of the particulate samples showed that the concentrations of anthropogenic toxic trace elements viz. Br, Cr, Pb, Sb, Se and Zn are lower by a factor of 2 to 10 as compared to urban areas. The high enrichment factors for anthropogenic elements viz. Br, Pb, Sb and Zn show an input from coal/wood fuel burning and vehicular pollution at the sampling site. The depletion of Si in SPM samples shows long distance transport of dust to the sampling site.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Dust , Environmental Monitoring , Metals, Heavy/analysis , Coal , Incineration , India , Particle Size , Vehicle Emissions , WoodABSTRACT
This paper illustrates the useful early-warning role of the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique against a potential health hazard being posed by dumping effluents from an industrial unit involved in the manufacture of lead-batteries, in a nearby water-canal used for irrigation purposes by surrounding villages. These effluents were shown to contain mercury at a potentially unsafe level, resulting in timely initiation of necessary preventive measures. The standard fundamental parameter method was invoked for a quantitative estimation of the mercury (Hg) concentration. In addition, L-series (rather than the usual K-series) X-rays were used for excitation, mainly on account of the type of the available excitation source.
