Chemical composition, levels, and I/O ratios of PM10 and PM2.5 in the laboratory near the copper smelter in Bor, Serbia

Abstract

Numerous studies have reported that particulate matter (PM) and its specific chemical constituents were linked to the incidence of respiratory diseases and mortality and lung function. The main aim of this study is to determine metallic content in PM10 and PM2.5 samples taken simultaneously at several locations in the close vicinity of the copper smelter in Bor and the influence of outdoor PM pollution on indoor PM levels. The measurement campaign was conducted, during the non-heating season of 2020. The PM samples were collected at all sampling sites with low-volume samplers (Sven/Leckel LVS3) on quartz fiber filters (Whatman QMA, 47mm). All samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS). In this way, the mass concentrations of four priority elements (As, Cd, Pb, and Ni) in PM samples were identified and quantified. It has been determined that average indoor PM levels in the laboratory were higher than outdoors. A strong correlation was found between PM10 and PM2.5 particle levels inside the laboratory and in the outdoor air. Also, a very strong correlation was found between the levels of Pb, Ni, As, and Cd determined in PM10 and PM2.5 samples inside the laboratory and in the outdoor air. This confirms that mentioned elements originate from the same sources located in the copper smelter complex.