Aerosol chemical characteristics of a mega-city in Southeast Asia (Dhaka–Bangladesh)

Elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), organic acids, major inorganic ions and trace elements were determined in aerosol samples collected under pre-monsoon conditions (March–April 2001) in Dhaka (Bangladesh). Using the Fe content of the aerosol to reconstruct the aerosol mass from soil-type mineralic material, a mass balance of the Dhaka aerosol was achieved. From this follows that on the average around 76% of the aerosol is from soil-type material, around 18% of carbonaceous material, and around 6% soluble ions and trace elements (without iron)