Temporal Variation of Atmospheric Aerosol Particulate Matters and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh

  • Tanzir Al Mahmud Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
  • Abdus Salam Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
  • M. N.A. Siddique Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
  • M. Shafiqul Alam Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Abstract

Aerosol particulate matters and heavy metal concentrations were measured for the period of August and September 2005 in Dhaka a Southeast Asian Mega City.  Particulate matters (PM) of different size fractions (TSP, PM10 and PM2.5) were collected on the micro fiber filters by placing the PM sampler on the roof of the Mohkarram Hossain  Khundhkar Biggan Bhaban at the Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The overall average concentrations of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 were 68, 43 and 35 g m-3, respectively. About 82% particles were from fine fraction (PM2.5) and 18% were from coarse fraction (PM10-2.5), which indicates mechanical processes are one of the main sources for the particulate matters in Dhaka. Heavy metals (lead, copper, zinc, and iron) concentrations were determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) for the size fraction of PM10 with highest concentrations recorded for iron (2360 ng m-3) and lowest for copper (28 ng m-3). The average concentration for lead (96 ng  m-3) was lower than the WHO guideline value and also lower than the previous measurements in Dhaka.  The lower concentration of lead was found presumably due to the official ban of leaded gasoline in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

Published
Jun 2, 2008
How to Cite
MAHMUD, Tanzir Al et al. Temporal Variation of Atmospheric Aerosol Particulate Matters and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pakistan Journal of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry, [S.l.], v. 9, n. 1, p. 6, june 2008. ISSN 2221-5255. Available at: <https://pjaec.pk/index.php/pjaec/article/view/162>. Date accessed: 04 dec. 2023.
Citation Formats
Issue
Vol 9 No 1 (2008): Pakistan Journal of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry
Section
Research Articles

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