Chemical composition of Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP) in obaretin

Abstract

Particulate matter was captured from five different sites in Obaretin, Ikpota-Okha LGA of Edo State using SKC Air Check gravimetric sampler Model 21-5000 serial no 20537 and a glass fiber filter between the months of December 2008 and April 2009. The glass fiber filters were analyzed for nine trace metals – Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, Pd, Ni, Cr and Co (by Atomic Absorption spectrophotometric (AAS). The data obtained were subjected to factor analysis. The mean concentration of the various elements were: Fe2.56mg/m³; Zn 0.034mg/m³; Cu 0.1mg/m³; Mn 0.166mg/m³; Cd 0.0404mg/m³; Pb 0.19mg/m³; Cr 0.1mg/m³. While the concentration of Ni and Co were below detection limits. The concentration of the trace metals obtained in this study fell within the purview of the occupational health and safety standard but higher than WHO limit. The element Cd was moderately enriched, when Fe was used as a reference element. Two components were obtained from the principal component analysis.

Running Title: Constituents of Aerosol Captured in Rural Community.

Keywords: Trace metals, Enrichment Factor, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Total Suspended Particulate Matter, Rural area