Evolution of atmospheric lead over the northwestern Mediterranean between 1986 and 1992

The use of lead as an additive in petrol decreased in Europe from the 1970s and particularly from 1988 in France. It is attempted in this paper to evaluate the impact of such a decrease on a northwestern Mediterranean coastal environment. The atmospheric Pb concentrations measured at Cap Ferrat in 1986 and 1987 are compared with the 1991–1992 results (aerosol + rainwater) obtained at the same sampling site. The 50% decrease in the leaded gasoline consumption is expressed by Pb levels reduced of 24 and 30% in aerosol and rainwater, respectively. This decrease of Pb concentrations in the atmospheric aerosol is up to 2-fold higher in urban areas, where airborne Pb is almost totally due to automotive exhaust. Indeed, most of anthropogenic Pb should deposit close to its emission area.