Abstract
In order to evaluate the distribution and behaviour of atmospheric particulate metals in high-altitude area, we collected 22 aerosol samples using a high volume air sampler at Soback Mt. Meteorological Observation Station from Jan. to Nov. 1993 and analysed for metals (Al, Fe, Mg, Na, Ca, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) with ICP/AES and ICP/MS. Although sampling site is located in high-altitude and far from local sources of atmospheric pollutants, enrichments of metals are 2 times higher than those of western coastal reural area. This fact may imply that of metallic pollutants in the coastal rural site were came from further western side (e.g. China), atmospheric metals in this study area contain the signal of metropolitan cities located in the main wind direction (NNW). Sea salts are negligible in the aerosol particle population because reference elements of sea salts (Na, Mg) are all originated from soil particles. The contents of soil particles in aerosols are highest in spring and lowest in winter. Atmospheric enriched elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) are diluted with soil particles, especially during the yellow sand period. The results of factor analysis suggest possibility of interpreting their chemical significance in terms of sources (soil, pollutants) and gas-particle conversion processes (formation of ammonium sulfates, ammonium nitrates and/or their mixtures).
