Assessment of crustal element and trace metal concentrations in atmospheric particulate matter over a coastal city in the Eastern Arabian Sea
Abstract
Major/crustal elements (Al, Ca, Mg, K and Fe) and trace metals (Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni) in atmospheric particulate matter at three sites in Goa (a coastal city in the Eastern Arabian Sea) were assessed during winter (December) and summer (March-May) months of 2015. A significant spatial and temporal variability was observed in PM10 mass concentration, crustal element and trace metal composition at the sampling area (viz. pristine, urban and industrial location). Using diagnostic crustal element ratio (viz. Fe/Al, Ca/Al and Mg/Al), mineral dust component were characterized and found to show large spatial and temporal variability. The concentration levels of trace metals were further assessed for enrichment factor (EF) analyses wherein reported elements were classified as two major groups. First group consist of Cr, Cu and Pbwith 10< EF < 100compared to continental crustal values (w.r.t. Al) suggesting dominant contribution from anthropogenic with minor contribution from natural sources and the second one consist of Zn and Ni showing very high EF (>100) which are solely derived from anthropogenic sources. Source identification for trace metals were further assessed based on Principle component analysis (PCA). PCA highlights major contribution of trace metals are from anthropogenic emissions at all three locations. However, contribution from mineral dust were observed at pristine and urban locations during winter month. The reported data of trace metal concentrations in aerosols gives a baseline information on atmospheric supply of micro nutrients to the Arabian Sea which have implication to the various surface ocean biogeochemical processes.
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