Effect of meteorologic conditions on total suspended particulate (TSP) levels and elemental concentration of aerosols in a semiarid zone (Beer Sheva, Israel)

The total suspended particulate (TSP) levels in Beer Sheva, located in a semiarid area with winds bringing in dust from the surrounding deserts, was measured 41 times between June 1977 and May 1978. The TSP levels are correlated with climatic conditions. High TSP levels (890 plus or minus 250 mu g m super(-) super(3) ) were found during sharav conditions and sandstorms (hot, dry weather, typical to this region). Low TSP levels (59 plus or minus 28 mu g m super(-) super(3) ) were found in the winter after rain. Usual TSP levels were found to be 140 plus or minus 20 mu g m super(-) super(3) occurring during normal weather conditions. The elemental composition of the Beer Sheva aerosols was determined by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INNA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The concentrations of the following elements Fe, Na, Br, K, Sm, Au, Sb, Ga, La, Yb, Lu, Se, Hg, Cr, Sc, Rb, Co, Ta, and Zn were determined by INNA; Ca, Si, S, Ti, Cl, Pb, Fe, V, Ni, and Mn concentrations were determined by XRF. Their relative abundances were found to depend upon the prevailing TSP level. The different patterns of elemental distribution as a function of TSP indicate the manifold origins of the TSP. A very high correlation coefficient between elemental concentrations of the elements Ca, Si, Fe, V, Ti, Mn, Na, Ni, Co, La, K, Sc, and Sm, and TSP levels (>0.94) suggest that they originate from natural sources. The very low correlation coefficients