Long-term measurements of iron-containing aerosols by Mossbauer spectroscopy in Poland

Mossbauer spectroscopy was applied to analyze the iron compounds present in atmospheric aerosol. As a significant part of air pollution, especially in winter months, iron appeared in the form of iron sulfides (FeS2, FeS and F e1-xS), which were products of coal combustion. Also, iron oxyhydroxides an d iron oxides, mostly alpha -Fe2O3 (bulk) and in the form of ultra fine par ticles in superparamagnetic state were observed. The concentration of iron in atmospheric air was calculated from the experimental spectra. Seasonal v ariations of iron concentration in atmospheric air measured over twenty yea rs in the mountain region of Poland are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scienc e Ltd. All rights reserved.