Particle Size Distribution of Airborne Trace Metals

Weekly samples of aerosol in seven size fractions were taken in the period from 13 October 1985 to 16 September 1986, and analyzed for cadmium, copper, manganese, sodium, lead, zinc and-partially-arsenic and vanadium. Sampling locations were south of Berne, Switzerland, at elevations of 515, 750, 940 and 1550 metres above sea level, respectively. First results indicate that the aerosol concentrations usually decrease with increasing elevation; the extent of this decrease is, however, largely controlled by the prevailing atmospheric stability. During some weeks in February 1986 unusually high aerosol concentrations were observed. The meteorologic situation and the observed element spectrum indicate that transport from Eastern Europe had occurred. Each component of the aerosol exhibits a typical pattern of particle size distribution which, for most elements, does not vary significantly with altitude.