Analysis of the seasonal and fractional variability of metals bearing particles in an urban environment and their inhalability

This study aimed to calculate size-fractionated PM-bound metals concentration (Co, V, Ni, Cu, Mn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr and Hg) in a European hot spot area in terms of PM air pollution (Zabrze, Poland) and to show their deposition ratios in human airways. Additionally, meteorological data was used to conclude the probable influence of atmospheric conditions on the variability of the PM mass concentrations in different periods of the year. Data regarding the elemental composition of size-fractionated PM in various regions of Poland was also presented. The determination of the selected metals in PM-fractionated samples (PM₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀) was performed in two periods – the heating and non-heating season. It was found that metals were primarily associated with particles less than 1 µm, however, the PM size distribution had shown bi-modal characteristics and the maxima of metal mass distribution occurred in both submicron and fine modes. High PM₁ mass loadings, observed especially in the non-heating season were probably due to an influx of fine and even smaller particles from traffic sources. Metals distributions as well as respiratory deposition ratios for PM-bound elements calculated using the MPPD V2.11 model favored nasal and head deposition. The overall mass deposition of metals in the respiratory tract of adults was: 0.39 (Head region, H); 0.07 (Tracheobronchial region, TB); 0.16 (Pulmonary region, P) respectively. No matter the season, the highest inhalable concentrations of metals were found for Cu, Mn, Cr and Pb. Only Cr and Pb are classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic (according to IARC classification).