Abstract
Atmospheric lead concentrations in Seoul were monitored for ten years from January 1984 to June 1993 using X-ray fluorescence Spectrometer. 342 aerosol samples were collected using high volume samplers at two sites : one at Chungang University campus from 1984 to 1988 and the other at Yonsei University campus from 1989 to 1993. Lead concentration increased steadily from about 300ng/㎥ to the maximum of about 600ng/㎥ in 1988 and then decreased, and this is similar to the pattern of Korean leaded gasoline sales implying that Korean automobile emission is the main source. However, the emission from nation's coal combustion appeared to be substantial as welt, and this emmision is the major cause for the secondary feature strong seasonal variability. Lead concentration varied systematically from season to season, low in summer and high in winter. The region's characteristic climate, frequent and heavy precipitations in summer and dry in winter is considered to be another cause for the seasonal variability.