wAbstract
@Eight selected heavy metals and phosphorus (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr,
Cd, Ni and P) were analyzed in the dust fall samples collected
from the surroundings areas adjacent to Al-Hisa phosphate mine
central Jordan during summer 2008. The chemical analysis was done
using the ICP-AES, after being digested with (HNO3/HCl/HF)
acid mixture, beside the identification of their mineral constituents
using the XRD. Moreover, the particulate matter (PM) size was
investigated and divided into four fractions (PM2.5,
PM2.5-10, PMC10-100
and PM100). The PM10-PM100 were found to be the most abundant in the
local atmosphere followed by PM2.5-PM10, while the respirable fraction (PM2.5)
and giant fraction (PM100) showed lower
levels. The studied samples contain less PM2.5
and PM10 particulates (9.39 and 28.67), respectively,
than samples located far from the mine area (blank samples) (17.32
and 51.7) for PM2.5 and PM10,
respectively. The meteorological effects, mainly the prevailing
wind direction beside the distance to emission sources affect
the distribution of dust particle sizes. Heavy metal contents
in studied samples are similar to some extent to those found in
Isa Town (Bahraian), which related to similar arid and low precipitation
climatic conditions. The effect of phosphate mining activities
was obvious as indicated from the presence of apatite as the main
mineral phase and the higher P contents. Moreover, the studied
samples contain higher Zn, Ni, Cu and to lesser extent Cr than
blank samples. They exhibited a significant positive correlation
with P, as they are usually associated with the phosphate rocks.
Keywords: Dry deposition; Heavy metals; Apatite; PM2.5;
Phosphate mine; Jordanx
Introduction
Study area settings
Material and analytical methods
Results and discussion
Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References