Geochemical characterization of PM10 emitted by glass factories in Murano, Venice (Italy)

Abstract

The atmosphere in Venice, like in other European cities, is influenced by complex PM(10) multi-emission sources with a net tendency to exceed the limits fixed by the directive 99/30/EC. This study investigated the composition of an ensemble of similar industrial sources, the Murano Glassmaking Factories (MGFs), and their influence on the Venice air quality, using a modelling approach, statistical analysis and geochemical considerations. Preliminary modelling simulations were conducted to select three sampling sites along the way of preferential transport of pollutants from source between February and April 2003. Subsequently, a sampling campaign was carried out in the same period of simulations. Concentrations of PM(10), eight major elements (Al, Ti, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn), 20 minor and trace elements (Li, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ru, Rh, Cd, Sb, Ba, Ce, Pt, Pb) and four PAHs (BaA, BbF, BkF, BaP) were quantified. The analytical results were statistically processed for exploring the relationships between inorganic elements and organic compounds, and results were interpreted using geochemical considerations. Results show a MGF component of PM(10) characterised by two different fingerprints: the first linked to glass raw material composition and the second mainly related to glass additives. Particularly, Cd, Se, As and Li preserve their ratios in all study area, and are interpreted as principal components of the MGF emissions. Other fingerprints can be traced to urban sources from the Venetian mainland.