Trace elements total content and particle sizes distribution in the air particulate matter of a rural-residential area in north Italy investigated byinstrumental neutron activation analysis

The concentrations (ng/m(3)) of more than 30 trace elements have been deter mined in the total air particulate of a rural-residential area in north Ita ly. By collecting the aerosols with multistage impactors the distribution o f the trace elements in the different size-fractionated particles has been also investigated. The fine 'inhalable' fraction with particles of less tha n 10 mu m in equivalent aerodynamic diameter (PM10) as well as the subseque nt finest 'respirable' fractions with particles of 0-1.1 mu m (alveolar), 1 .1-4.6 mu m (bronchial) and 4.6-9 mu m (tracheo-pharynx) have been analyzed and evaluated. Apart from Pb, Cd and, in some cases, Ni and Cu which have been determined by ETAAS (electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy), a ll measurements have been carried out by instrumental neutron activation an alysis (INAA). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.