Contribution of point sources to trace metal levels in urban areas surrounded by industrial activities in the Cantabria Region (Northern Spain)

Abstract

The present work deals with the characterization of selected heavy metals (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Mo, Pb, Ni, Cd and As) in PM10 collected in 2008 in three urban areas of Cantabria (Northern Spain) which are influenced by industrial activities. Ternary plots were used to identify the main tracers at the studied sites. Pollutant roses of these tracers were used as tools which give information about the location of the most important emission sources due to the characteristic wind patterns in Cantabria. Pollutant roses showed a significant contribution of the local industry to trace metal levels at the selected urban sites.