Size-segregated concentration of metals in an urban aerosol of Bolu (Türkiye): Temporal variations and sources

The main objective of this study is to find the chemical composition of size segregated PM. To achieve this objective, PM samples were collected at six different particle sizes (>7.2, 3-7.2, 1.5-3, 0.95-1.5, 0.49-0.95, <0.49 µm) between 17/2/2021-10/3/2022 at an air quality monitoring station established at the city center in the garden of Bolu Meteorology Province Directorate. The collected PM samples were analyzed in terms of elements (Ag, As, Ba, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Cs, Fe, Ga, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Tl, V ve Zn) by using ICPMS. The data set was evaluated by using different statistical techniques to find the sources impacting the chemical composition of PM and also to interpret the health risks imposed on the people living in the city. The results indicated that there are mainly four different sources affecting the air quality of the city, namely, emissions from traffic, coal combustion road dust and soil. The health impact assessment revealed that the elements in the PM pose both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health impacts on children.