Size distribution of trace metals in ambient air of Agra

Abstract

Trace metals, viz. Al, Si, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, V, Cd, Sn, Cr, Cu and Zn were identified in size-fractionated aerosols of urban atmosphere of Agra. The metals that are largely soil derived, e.g. Al, Si, Ca and Mg had highest concentrations and exhibited a bimodal pattern with larger fraction in the coarse mode. Other metals, viz. Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, V, Cd, Sn, Cr, Cu and Zn were found to dominate in the fine mode consistent with their anthropogenic origin. Source identification has been further confirmed by enrichment factor calculations.