A preliminary evaluation of the inorganic chemical composition of atmospheric TSP in the Selaata region, North Lebanon

Abstract

The inorganic chemical composition of atmospheric total suspended particles (TSP) was studied in the region of Selaata, around a phosphate fertilizer factory, between April and June, 2008. Water soluble anions and metal analysis were conducted using ion chromatography (I.C.) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) respectively. The results showed moderate industrial contribution to the anions loads, but mostly in nitrates which were linked to gas-particle conversion of NO2 emitted from heavy duty machinery. High metals content were verified with a remarkable enrichment in the downwind sites. The enrichment factor analysis showed high values for P, Ca, V, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr. This enrichment resulted from many anthropogenic sources in the area, from which dry milling of phosphate rocks, chemical reactions used for fertilizer production, and vehicles activities were the most prominent.