Source assessment of atmospheric lead measured at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bazzano, Andrea; Ardini, Francisco; Becagli, Silvia; Traversi, Rita; Udisti, Roberto; Cappelletti, David; Grotti, Marco
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 113(2015)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Lead isotopic ratios -- Heavy metals -- The arctic -- Atmospheric particulate -- Global pollution -- Chemical tracers; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2015.04.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: Size-segregated (PM10 ) aerosol samples were collected at Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard Islands, Norwegian Arctic) from April to September 2012 and analysed for lead content and isotopic composition ( 207 Pb/ 206 Pb and 208 Pb/ 206 Pb), along with other chemical tracers, such as aluminium (crustal marker) and non-sea-salt sulphates (anthropogenic and marine biogenic marker). It was found that most of lead reaching Ny-Ålesund is anthropogenic, with a marked seasonality of both the concentration and isotopic signature. Particularly, average lead concentration in summer was significantly lower than in spring ( p = 0.003), whereas 208 Pb/ 206 Pb decreased from 2.107 ± 0.002 to 2.090 ± 0.005 (mean ± 95%-confidence level, p = 6.0 10 −6 ). A comparison of the measured isotopic ratios to literature data suggests that the atmospheric lead reaching the Arctic during spring can be mainly related to inputs from eastern Eurasia, whereas North America appeared to be the major source during the summer. Experimental results and sampling strategy also indicate that local inputs of crustal and anthropogenic lead play a minor role. The source-receptor relationship was confirmed by a back-trajectory cluster analysis of air-masses reaching the sampling site. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Atmospheric lead reaching Ny-Ålesund is mainly anthropogenic. Lead concentrations are significantly higher in spring than in summer. There is a significant seasonal shift in the lead isotopic ratios. Eastern Eurasia is the main source area of atmospheric lead during spring. Northern America is the major source of atmospheric lead during summer.