Analysis of sources and concentrations of heavy metal contents in PM10 over a four-season cycle in a heavily industrialised city in China

In order to study the sources and concentrations of heavy metals in atmospheric PM₁₀, a total of 144 samples were collected in two areas of Handan, China. The metal contents of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb in the sample were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Contamination characteristics and sources were analysed by the geo-accumulation index and the enrichment factor method. Results indicated that heavy metal elements Mn, Cu, and Pb accounted for 96.9% of the total concentration. In addition, the seasonal levels of concentrations of the six elements from high to low were in the order of winter > fall > spring > summer. In both areas, the metal contents of Cd, Pb, and Cu were at levels 6, 4 and 2, respectively. Co and Ni were not considered polluting elements. The element Cd was mainly from anthropogenic sources, while the element Mn was mainly from natural sources. The enrichment factor values of Cu and Pb were between 10 and 100. The study revealed that pollution by heavy metals in industrialised cities is astounding, and leads to serious consequences for human health. Urgent measures are required to reinforce prevention and control of this pollution.