ABSTRACT
Particulate size distribution of PM(10) and associated trace metal concentrations has been carried out in residential cum commercial area of Mahal at Nagpur city. Sampling for size fraction of particulate matter was performed during winter season using eight-stage cascade impactor with a pre-separator and toxic metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The average concentration of PM(10) and fine particulate matter (effective cut of aerodynamic diameter ≤2.2 µm) was found to be 300 and 136.7 µg/m(3), respectively which was exceeding limit of Central Pollution Control Board. Maximum mass concentration of 41 µg/m(3) in size range of 9.0-10.0 µm and minimum mass concentration of 19 µg/m(3) in size range 2.2-3.3 µm was observed. Metals (Sr, Ni and Zn) were found to large proportions in below 0.7 µm particle size and could therefore pass directly into the alveoli region of human respiratory system. Factor analysis results indicated combustion and vehicular emission as the dominant source in fine mode and resuspended dust was dominant in medium mode while crustal along with vehicular source was major in coarse mode of particulate matter.
