A.a. Fathivand, H. Khalafi, M. Vahabi-Moghaddam, Y. Kenare, M. Bathaie,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (9-2011)
Abstract
Background: In addition to gas pollutants, many
chemicals and air pollutants are in the form of
particulate matter. Particulate matter consists of a
complex mixture of variable sized particles and
physicochemical composition. These particles mainly
contain minerals including Fe, Al, Ca, K, Cu, Ti, Mn,
Ni, V and their size, chemical composition and
concentration are important to assess the extent to
which people has been protected. Materials and
Methods: Instrumental neutron activation analysis
(INAA) was employed to determine the composition of
elements in material collected on whatman 41 filter
using high volume air sampler in Rasht. Conce
ntration of elements including Al, Ca, V, Mg, Cu, Ti, K,
Ba, Cl, Mn, Na, As, Br, Cr, La, Sb, Co, Fe, Hg, Sc and
Zn were determined in samples. Results: Results
showed that the levels of most air pollutants in Rasht
to be lower than those measured in other cities in
Iran (Tehran, Esfahan and Shiraz) by the same
technique. Compared to other cities in world except
for some elements, mean concentration of elements
in air in Rasht were lower than those reported for
Milan, Pavia and Beijing. Conclusion: Although the
level of most air pollutants in Rasht are lower than
those measured in other cities in Iran, due to
considerable differences in element concentrations
depending on the day of sample collection, more
detailed studies are needed to control the emission
of pollutants in this region. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2011
9(2): 139-143