Relationship between 4-day air mass back trajectories and metallic components in PM(10) and PM (2.5) particle fractions in Zagreb Air, Croatia.

This paper presents a study on the relationship between trace metal concentrations and the state of the atmosphere at the Croatian EMEP station Puntijarka, Zagreb. PM(10) and PM(2.5) particle fractions are hazardous in terms of morbidity and hospitalization due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and in terms of total mortality. In Zagreb, PM(10) and PM(2.5) monitoring started on a daily basis at a sampling site located in the northern, residential part of the city. Trace metal concentrations were determined from daily samples. Air mass back trajectories were used to determine particulate air pollution from local and remote sources. The investigation has shown a statistically significant association between air mass back trajectories and metallic air concentration levels.