Assessment of Atmospheric Pollution from Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals in Urban Environment of Tirana (Albania)

Abstract

The content of PM₁₀ (particles smaller than about 10 μm  in
diameter) in the air and the concentration of seven heavy metals in
the aerosol samples collected in three sites in Tirana city during the
two year period (1997-1998) are presented. High particulate matter
values, that exceeded in 82% of cases the WHO-AQG limit for TSP
(100 μg/m³) are found. Heavy metal concentrations in particulate
matter (PM), especially lead and cadmium, are much lower compared
to the respective levels in Europe and USA urban areas. A
discussion of possible sources of particulate matter and heavy
metals content is presented,· based on obtained data and their
statistical analysis using multi-variate techniques.