Characterization of PM10 and Air-borne Metallic Elements Produced in Asan and Seoul

The purpose of this study was to characterize background mass concentration of fine particle PM10 and metallic composition from September 2001 to August 2002 in comparison with a medium-sized city, Asan and a metropolitan city, Seoul. Annual mean PM10 concentrations in Asan and Seoul were 47.98 and $75.33\;{\mu}g\;/\;m^3$, respectively. The concentrations of PM10 were highest in spring season in both cities. The concentrations of measured metals except As and Pb in Asan were higher than those in Seoul. Yellow dust could affect the mass and metals concentrations of measured PM10 in Asan and Seoul. Relationship between measured metals concentrations showed that Si and Fe were associated with natural sources such as soil. Pb, Cu and Zn were closely related to urban anthropogenic sources such as fuel combustion. Especially, relationship between metals showed different association during yellow dust. Proper management for fine particles is warranted in Asan, considering the concentrations of metallic elements in fine particles in Asan were relatively higher than those in Seoul.