The use of neutron activation analysis for particle size fractionation andchemical characterization of trace elements in urban air particulate matter

The concentration of more than 25 trace elements have been determined in to tal air particulate matter and in the size segregated fractions from the ur ban area of Pavia (North Italy). The PM10 fraction was also collected and a nalyzed. A study of the solubility in water and in physiological solution o f the trace elements contained in the PM10 was also carried out. The result ing solutions were further submitted to column chromatography using Chelex 100 to perform a preliminary chemical characterization. INAA was used as th e main analytical technique. ET-AAS was used for all Ph and Cd measurements and, in some cases, for the analysis of V, Mn, Cu and Ni.