Abstract
To provide better insights into the factors and processes regulating the geochemical behavior of airborne lead (Pb), we have investigated several important aspects of its distribution characteristics using the data collected from the Kyung Hee University-Suwon Campus during 1989 through 1994. Although the Pb data in the area reflected the effects of many anthropogenic activities ongoing in the area, the data were quite useful to assess the geochemical facets affecting the temporal distributions of lead as well as particulate matter (PM). The analysis of these data indicated that the Pb patterns were characteristic of enriched Pb levels during odd-numbered years relative to even-numbered years, while those of PM were exhibiting pronouncingly different patterns. Despite many similarities and differences found between year-to-year distribution patterns, of Pb data, it was possible to discuss the facts associated with relatively high concentrations in the years 1991 and 1993 via normalization of Pb against PM data. According to this procedure, we were able to conclude that relative enrichment in Pb levels during 1991 was due to enhanced input of PM, while that of the year 1993 came from more chemically-oriented processes such as active adsorptive scavenging of Pb onto the PM surface. Based on our comparative analysis of the size-fractionated PM and Pb data sets, we propse that two distinctive mechanisms that are both of phyical (1991) and chemical nature (1993) exerted controls over the observed distribution patterns of airborne Pb in the atmosphere of Suwon.
