Heavy metals in the aerosols collected at two stations in Mallorca (Spain)

An extensive study of the different heavy metals (Fe, Mn Ni, Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb , Cu) present in the atmospheric aerosols collected at two stations in Mall orca located in the evirons of a new incinerator plant has been carried out . The aim of this study is to establish the quality of the air surrounding this new MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) incinerator on the island of Mallorca prior to its setting up. Besides, a study of the distribution of the analyz ed metals in both the fine (diameter less than or equal to 1.5 mu m) and co arse (diameter greater than or equal to 1.5 mu m) fractions of the aerosol has been performed. Concentrations of heavy metals in the atmospheric aeros ols prior to the running of the new incinerator plant were found to be very low and similar to the values obtained at other Mediterranean stations.