Origins and discrimination between local and regional atmospheric pollution in Haiphong (Vietnam), based on metal(loid) concentrations and lead isotopic ratios in PM 10

Abstract

Southeast Asia is a hotspot of anthropogenic emissions where episodes of recurrent and prolonged atmospheric pollution can lead to the formation of large haze events, giving rise to wide plumes which spread over adjacent oceans and neighbouring countries. Trace metal concentrations and Pb isotopic ratios in atmospheric particulate matter < 10 μm (PM₁₀) were used to track the origins and the transport pathways of atmospheric pollutants. This approach was used for fortnightly PM₁₀ collections over a complete annual cycle in Haiphong, northern Vietnam. Distinct seasonal patterns were observed for the trace metal concentration in PM₁₀, with a maximum during the Northeast (NE) monsoon and a minimum during the Southeast (SE) monsoon. Some elements (As, Cd, Mn) were found in excess according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Coal combustion was highlighted with enrichment factors of As, Cd, Se, and Sb, but these inputs were outdistanced by other anthropogenic activities. V/Ni and Cu/Sb ratios were found to be markers of oil combustion, while Pb/Cd and Zn/Pb ratios were found to be markers of industrial activities. Pb isotopic composition in PM₁₀ revealed an important contribution of soil dusts (45–60%). In PM₁₀, the Pb fraction due to oil combustion was correlated with dominant airflow pathways (31% during the north-easterlies and 20% during the south-easterlies), and the Pb fraction resulting from industrial emissions was stable (around 28%) throughout the year. During the SE monsoon, Pb inputs were mainly attributed to resuspension of local soil dusts (about 90%), and during the NE monsoon, the increase of Pb inPM₁₀ was due to the mixing of local and regional inputs.

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