Trace element chemistry and strontium isotope ratios of atmospheric particulate matter reveal air quality impacts from mineral dust, urban pollution, and fireworks in the Wasatch Front, Utah, USA

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) in urban areas is derived from natural and anthropogenic sources, but it is difficult to identify how these various sources contribute to air quality. To characterize PM sources in an urban setting, we collected PM in three size fractions (PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particulates, TSP) for two-week intervals from 2019 through 2021 in the Wasatch Front of northern Utah. The PM samples were analyzed for major and trace element concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr ratios. Using principal components analysis, we identified mineral dust, urban pollution, and fireworks as the primary PM sources affecting Wasatch Front air quality. Dust contributed Al, Be, Ca, Fe, Mg, Rb, Y, and REEs, which are typical components of carbonate and silicate minerals, with highest concentrations in the TSP fraction. Urban sources produced PM that was enriched in As, Cd, Mo, Pb, Sb, Se, and Tl, and fireworks smoke had high concentrations of Ba, Cr, Cu, K, Sr, and V. Dust events dominated PM chemistry during spring through fall, punctuated by fireworks smoke over the Independence Day holiday, while urban pollution dominated PM chemistry from November through February during winter inversions. 87Sr/86Sr ratios revealed that Sr was sourced from regional playas, local sediment, and fireworks. Strontium released from fireworks had relatively low 87Sr/86Sr ratios that dominated the PM isotopic composition during holidays. Sequential leaching showed that potentially harmful elements such as Se, Cd, and Cu were readily removed by weak acids, suggesting that they are readily available in the environment or through human inhalation. This is the first study to describe seasonal variations in PM chemistry in the Wasatch Front and serves as an example of investigating air quality in complex urban areas impacted by desert dust. •Air quality in a complex urban environment impacted by mineral dust, urban pollution, and fireworks smoke.•Specific trace elements are used to identify impacts from each source.•Strontium isotope ratios identify specific sources of particulate matter.•Sequential leaching results show that harmful trace elements in particulate matter are bioavailable.