Beryllium concentrations in ambient air and its source identification

Beryllium concentrations in atmospheric particulate and soil samples in and around a Beryllium Processing Facility (BPF) have been measured. The mean air concentration level of beryllium in and around the fence line of the BP F is 0.48 +/- 0.43 ng m(-3) (n = 397) and is mostly influenced by diurnal a nd seasonal changes. The observed air concentration levels were well below the prescribed ambient air quality (AAQ) standard of 10 ng m(-3). The soil concentration levels of beryllium in the study area were found to be in the range of 1.42-2.75 mug g(-1). The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of beryllium aerosols in ambient air was found to be 6.9 mum. Source identi fication using the Enrichment Factor (EF) approach indicates soil as the pr edominant contributory source for air concentrations at the site.