Sources of anthropogenic platinum-group elements (PGE): Automotive catalysts versus PGE-processing industries

Soil samples from the area of Hanau (Hessen, Germany) were analyzed for ant hropogenic platinum-group elements (PGE). The results confirm the existence of two different sources for anthropogenic PGE: 1. automotive catalysts, a nd 2. PGE-processing plants. Both sources emit qualitatively and quantitati vely different PGE spectra and PGE interelemental ratios (especially the Pt /Rh ratio). Elevated PGE values which are due to automotive catalysts are r estricted to a narrow-range along roadside soil, whereas those due to PGE-p rocessing plants display a large-area dispersion. The emitted PGE-containin g particles in the case of automotive catalysts are subject to transport by wind and water, whereas those from PGE-processing plants are preferably tr ansported by wind. This points to a different aerodynamic particle size. Pt , Pd, and Rh concentrations along motorways are dependent on the amount of traffic and the driving characteristics.