PM-10 and heavy metals in particulate matter of the province of Lecce (Apulia, Southern Italy)

This paper shows the results of a preliminary study of air monitoring in the province of Lecce (Apulia, Southern Italy). In particular, the attention has been focused on the determination of the PM-10 level and of the concentration of nine metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) present on the filters which were collected in two towns (Lecce and Campi Salentina) from 2002 until 2003. The metals have been chosen on the basis of their toxicity and of their possible use as chemical tracers. The results have proved that PM-10 values and metals concentrations did not show substantial difference between the two towns and that PM-10 level and lead concentration are below the limit established by Italian law in force. The experiments have demonstrated a high correlation between iron and manganese in both sampling sites; this could be attributed to pollution of metallurgical origin. Multivariate statistical analysis, carried out by HCA and PCA methods, has been used in order to differentiate samples in relation to sampling sites, sampling period and meteorological conditions.