Mineralogical and oxygen isotope composition of inorganic dust-fall in Wrocław (SW Poland) urban area – test of a new monitoring tool

Authors

  • Maciej GÓRKA Laboratory of Isotope Geology and Geoecology, Department of Applied Geology and Geochemistry, Institute of Geological Science, University of Wrocław, Cybulskiego 30, PL-50-205 Wrocław
  • Mariusz-Orion JĘDRYSEK Departament of General and Mathematical Geology, University of Mining and Metallurgy, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków
  • Dominika LEWICKA-SZCZEBAK Laboratory of Isotope Geology and Geoecology, Department of Applied Geology and Geochemistry, Institute of Geological Science, University of Wrocław, Cybulskiego 30, PL-50-205 Wrocław
  • Janusz KRAJNIAK Laboratory of Isotope Geology and Geoecology, Department of Applied Geology and Geochemistry, Institute of Geological Science, University of Wrocław, Cybulskiego 30, PL-50-205 Wrocław

Abstract

We have analysed the mineralogical and oxygen isotope composition of solid inorganic atmospheric particles (SIAP) in Wrocław (SW Poland) to determine potential natural and anthropogenic sources of deposited dust. The mineralogical compositions of SIAP and local soils are very similar and quite typical. Dust sources were attributed to high emission sources (two large coal-fired power generation plants, i.e., “Wrocław and “Czechnica”) and low emission sources (mostly small furnaces for home heating). A mullite phase was confirmed in the non-magnetic fraction of high emission dust. The d18O (SIAP) values collected during the study period (from 20th November 2003 to 25th May 2005) vary between 8.6 and 21.8‰. The d18O values of soil gathered nearest to the passive dust collector vary between 9.3 and 16.0‰. The d18O values obtained for hypothetical anthropogenic sources of atmospheric inorganic particles are: (1) 7.4‰ for low emission and (2) from 13.4 to 16.1‰ for high emission dust components. The range of d18O values obtained for SIAP, soil and hypothetical anthropogenic sources do not allow the unambiguous partitioning of anthropogenic particles using isotopic mass balance. However, mineralogical and geochemical evidence suggests that a major source (natural or anthropogenic) of dust deposited in Wrocław probably lies outside of the city. The predominant south-west wind direction suggests that agricultural areas, quarries, the Sudety Mountains, or industrial centres are possible origins of SIAP in Wrocław. We also do not exclude hypothetical long-transport processes as a source of dust deposited in Wrocław

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Published

2011-06-10

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 1 (2011)

Section

Articles

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