城市地表灰尘中重金属的来源、暴露特征及其环境效应

地表灰尘是城市环境重金属的“源”、“汇”载体,与环境质量和人类健康有着密切关系.分析了城市地表灰尘重金属污染研究的意义,综述了国内外城市地表灰尘重金属地球化学行为研究进展,包括地表灰尘重金属来源、暴露特征及其影响因素分析、环境效应等方面.提出应加强时间序列及小尺度微观研究;地理因素对地表灰尘中重金属暴露特征、环境效应的影响机理研究.     

The Combined Effect of Cu,Zn and Pb on Enzyme Activities in Soil from the Vicinity of a Wellhead Protection Area

Heavy metals are known to have adverse effects on soil ecosystems, while soil enzyme activities are sensitive to soil pollution. This study investigated the combined effects of Cu, Zn and Pb on the activities of invertase (IN), urease (U) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in soil obtained from the vicinity of a wellhead protection area via an orthogonal array (OA) design method. The experimental results showed the following: (1) Cu showed higher inhibition on the activities of all three enzymes than Zn and Pb when three metals were all present in the soil sample. IN activity, U activity and ALP activity decreased as the levels of Cu increased, and ranged from 15.9% to 55.7%, 3.57% to 78.6%, and 3.23% to 75.3%, respectively. Their lowest values were found in samples at 35 days with 400 mg/kg Cu. (2) Zn and Pb had different influences on the activities of the three enzymes. The lowest IN activity (the highest reduction 58.0%) and U activity (76.8%) were observed when Zn was at the concentration of 100 mg/kg after 35 days, whereas the highest inhibitory function of Zn on ALP activity (75.3%) was at 300 mg/kg after 7 days. When the concentration of Pb increased from 35 to 350 mg/kg, the activities of IN (62.5%) and U (69.6%) were most inhibited at 35 days and 14 days, respectively. However, when Pb was at the concentration of 500 mg/kg after 14 days, ALP activity (72.0%) showed the lowest value. (3) With respect to the three hydrolases in this study, ALP was the most sensitive to the two-variable interactive effects of Cu, Zn and Pb, especially Cu?×?Pb. It is concluded that the soil ALP activity may be a sensitive tool for assessing additive toxic effect on soil biochemical parameters. To provide more information about the potential ecological risk of chemicals on soil ecosystems, much more should be done to clearly determine the mechanisms of the combined effects of heavy metals in soil.     

Bioaccumulation of lead by the lichen Acarospora smaragdula from smelter emissions

Accumulation of lead in the crustose lichen Acarospora smaragdula sensu lato is reported in the vicinity of an ore- processing plant where it is subjected to acidification and metal particulate fallout. A combination of light microscopy, X-ray element mapping, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and other analytical techniques identifies Pb accumulation within specific fungal tissues derived from smelter particles (PM10s). No Pb was detected within the photobiont layer. Our studies suggest that Pb is highly mobile under the prevailing acidic conditions, and is fixed within the lichen cortex and melanized apothecia. Lead is also accumulated within the medulla and at the rock–lichen interface where it may precipitate as amorphous botryoidal encrustations on medullary hyphae and iron-rich particles. Modern FESEMs and microprobes enable analysis of minute quantities of material, and are important tools in understanding the fate of metals within lichens necessary to develop their use as predictive and sensitive bioindicators of aerial particulate contaminants. We suggest that crustose lichens, hitherto largely ignored in metal pollution studies, may be useful bioindicators of aerial particulate contaminants in polluted areas where macrolichens are absent.     

北京城区行道树国槐叶面尘分布及重金属污染特征

叶面尘分布范围广、累积时间长,能够较好地指示近地面大气颗粒物污染特征和累积状况。为揭示城市道路交通的大气颗粒物污染特征,研究了北京城区不同类型道路两侧行道树国槐(Sophora japonica)的叶面滞尘量,分析了叶面尘主要重金属的浓度和污染特征,采用相关分析和主成分分析法探讨了颗粒物重金属的主要来源。结果表明:国槐叶面滞尘量在快速路、主干路、次干路、支路上的比值为100∶84∶75∶75,受车流量影响较大。行道树国槐的平均叶面滞尘量为0.68 g/m2,庭院树国槐(远离交通)叶面滞尘量是0.51 g/m2,两者差异显著。行道树叶面尘重金属元素Cu、Zn、Pb在叶面尘中的浓度达到土壤背景值的6倍,空间分布较均匀,主要来自交通排放,庭院树叶面尘重金属污染也受到交通排放的重要影响。     

Monitoring of Pb Exposure in Waterfowl Ten Years after a Mine Spill through the Use of Noninvasive Sampling

Lead exposure in waterfowl was studied using noninvasive fecal sampling in the Guadalquivir Marshes in Spain, an area affected by the 1998 Aznalcóllar mine disaster. Feces of greylag geese (Anser anser, n = 191) and purple gallinule (Porphyrio porphyrio, n = 91) were collected from three different impacted sites (Entremuros, Caracoles and Cerro de los Ánsares) during the winters of 2004 to 2008. Lead and aluminium (an indicator of sediment ingestion) and Pb isotope signatures (to discriminate between sources of Pb exposure) were analyzed in freeze-dried, acid digested samples. The concentrations of fecal porphyrins and biliverdin were determined as noninvasive biomarkers to study Pb exposure effects. Results showed a decrease in Pb exposure over time in wintering greylag geese. In contrast, for purple gallinule resident in the Entremuros a clear trend was not evident. For both species, sediment ingestion appeared to be the main source of exposure to Pb. In the Entremuros, some samples from purple gallinule were detected with higher Pb levels than expected for simple soil ingestion, and these had Pb isotopic profiles compatible with mining sludge or Pb shot. Whilst fecal Pb isotopic profiles were effective in differentiating between samples from sites with different levels and sources of pollution, the combined use of element ratios (such as Pb/Al) and other non-traditional stable isotope signatures may also prove worthwhile. Overall, the fecal Pb levels detected were below those described in feces for waterfowl from other uncontaminated areas(<10 µg/g d.w.). Despite this, for both species fecal Pb levels were positively correlated with porphyrin excretion, and for purple gallinule, with the coproporphyrin III/I ratio, suggesting some subtle effects on heme synthesis in birds. Ten years after the mine spill, Pb contamination in birds by this pollution source was still detectable and subtlethal effects may persist.     

Effect of heavy metals on peppermint and cornmint

Heavy metal pollution of agricultural soils and air is one of the most severe ecological problems on a world scale and in Bulgaria in particular. The biggest sources of pollution in Bulgaria are some non-ferrous metals smelters, such as the Non-Ferrous Metals Combine (NFMC) near Plovdiv, situated on very fertile soils. Vegetable, arable and animal production in this area results in contaminated produce with excessive amounts of Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn and Zn.In order to discover some crops which could be grown on these areas without contamination of the end product, we conducted (in 1991–1993) field experiments in the vicinities of NFMC near Plovdiv. As experimental material we used Mentha piperita L. (cv Tundza and Clone No 1) and Mentha arvensis var piperascens Malinv. (cv Mentolna-14). Plants have been grown on three Plots: Plot No 1-at a distance of 400 m from the source of pollution; Plot No 2-at 3 km from the source of pollution and on a control Plot-in the experimental gardens of University of Agriculture in Plovdiv, at 10 km from the source of pollution. It was established that heavy metal pollution of soil and air at a distance of 400 m from the source of pollution decreased the yields of fresh herbage by 9–16% and the yield of essential oil by up to 14% compared to the control, but did not negatively affect the essential oil content and its quality.Oils obtained from Plot 1 at a distance of 400 m from the source of pollution have not been contaminated with heavy metals.Cultivar response to heavy metal pollution was established. A positive correlation between Pb concentration in leaves and in essential oil was found.Heavy metal concentration in the plant parts was found to be in order: for Cd roots > leaves > rhizomes > stems; Pb roots = leaves > rhizomes = stems; Cu roots > rhizomes = stems = leaves; Mn roots > leaves > stems = rhizomes; Zn leaves > roots > stems = rhizomes.The tested cultivars of peppermint and cornmint could be successfully grown in highly heavy metal polluted areas, as in the area around NFMC near Plovdiv, without contamination of the end product-the essential oils.Despite of the yield reduction (up to 14%), due to heavy metal contamination, mint still remained a very profitable crop and it could be used as substitute for the other highly contaminated crops.     

Impact of Land-Use Patterns on Chemical Properties of Trace Elements in Soils of Rural,Semi-Urban,and Urban Zones of the Niger Delta,Nigeria

The study of the concentrations of Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu in soils under different land uses in rural, semi-urban, and urban zones in the Niger Delta was carried out with a view to providing information on the effects of the different land uses on the concentrations of trace elements in soils. Our results indicate significant variability in concentrations of these metals in soils under different land uses in rural, semi-urban, and urban zones. The maximum concentrations of metals in the examined soil samples were 707.5 mg.kg^?1, 161.0 mg.kg^?1, 2.6 mg.kg^?1, 59.6 mg.kg^?1, 1061.3 mg.kg^?1, and 189.2 mg.kg^?1 for Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu, respectively. In the rural zone, the cassava processing mill is a potent source of Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn while agricultural activities are a source of Cd, and automobile emissions and the use of lead oxide batteries constitute the major sources of Pb. In the urban zone, soils around the wood processing mill showed elevated concentrations of Cu, Cr, Zn, and Ni, while soils around automobile mechanic works and motor parks showed elevated levels of Pb. Elevated Cd concentrations were observed in soils under the following land uses: urban motor park, playground, welding and fabrication sheds, and metallic scrap dump. The contamination/pollution index of metals in the soil follows the order: Ni > Cd > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb. The multiple pollution index of metals at different sites were greater than 1, indicating that these soils fit into “slight pollution” to “excessive pollution” ranges with significant contributions from Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cu.     

Soil Heavy Metal Pollution Assessment Near the Largest Landfill of China

To assess the extent and potential hazards of heavy metal pollution at Shanghai Laogang Landfill, the largest landfill in China, surface soil samples were collected near the landfill and concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr were determined. The results revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals, except Pb, were higher in the surface soil near the landfill than in the background soil. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis suggested that the enrichment of Cu in soil was probably related to agricultural activities and Cd and Pb to landfill leachates, whereas Zn and Cr concentrations were probably controlled by soil matrix characteristics. The pollution indices (PIs) of the metals were: Cd > Cu > Cr > Zn > Pb. Among the five measured metals, Cd showed the largest toxic response and might cause higher ecological hazards than other metals. The integrated potential eco-risk index (RI) of the five metals ranged from 26.0 to 104.9, suggesting a low-level eco-risk potential. This study indicated the accumulations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr did not reach high pollution levels, and therefore posed a low eco-risk potential in surface soil near the landfill.     

The history of pollution elements in Zhengzhou,China recorded by tree rings

Several tree ring samples in Zhengzhou, China, were collected to research the pollution elements variation history and the application of dendrochemistry in urban environmental pollution research. Bark and soil samples were also collected in the study area. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to analyse the concentrations of pollution elements in Cedrus deodara (Roxb.). The results indicated that the variations in pollution elements concentrations in the tree rings were roughly consistent with the history of the Zhengzhou No. 3 cotton mill (GM3). The autocorrelation coefficients determined for the element concentrations indicated that Zn and Pb were translocated within tree rings to a certain degree, especially Zn, and that Cu was not translocated within tree rings. We also found that the accumulation of Pb in the bark was extremely high, which indicated that trees are prone to Pb absorption from the atmosphere, not soil. This research reveals the history of different pollution elements in the environment and demonstrates that dendrochemical methods represent an effective component in an environmental monitoring programme.     

Sources and risk assessment of toxic elements in the agricultural soil of Tiantai County of Zhejiang province,China

Abstract

The aim of this study was to quantify the pollution level of toxic elements, their ecological risk and human health hazard in the agricultural soil of Tiantai County, Zhejiang province. A total of 2651 soil samples were collected and analyzed for 13 toxic elements using different analytical techniques. The concentration of Cd, Pb, Hg, Mn, and Zn was higher than the Zhejiang background value in more than 50% of samples. Enrichment factor showed that As, Cd, Hg, Mo, Pb, Se, V, and Zn were anthropogenically loaded and most of the toxic elements showed poor spatial distribution. Nemerow pollution index showed that Chicheng, Shiliang, Pingqiao, Tantou, and Youngxi towns were seriously polluted by toxic elements. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed that Co, Cr, Ni, and Cu, whereas, Cd, Pb, and Zn shared the similar source of origin. A large area of Tiantai County experiencing moderate to a serious level of pollution but most of the toxic elements exhibit low risk to the environment except Cd and Hg. Furthermore, children were more prone to health hazards than adults with following order: As?>?Cr?>?Pb?>?Mn. Overall, As and Pb were prominent for pollution, ecological risk, and human health hazards.     

Atmospheric loading of Zn,Cu, Ni,Cr, and Pb to lake sediments: The role of catchment,lake morphometry,and physico-chemical properties of the elements

Although catchments have been implicated as an important source of metals to lakes, the catchment contribution of different metals is poorly known, and the anthropogenic contribution is not known at all. We determine the anthropogenic lake sediment burdens of Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Pb for several Quebec and Ontario lakes, not subject to point source loading, to obtain estimates of atmospheric loading and inputs from terrestrial sources. To do this, we first collected multiple cores across 11 lake basins to estimate the whole-lake Pb burdens. As the whole-lake Pb burdens did not differ among lakes that spanned over two orders of magnitude in drainage ratios (drainage basin area/lake area), we conclude that catchment retention of anthropogenic Pb is complete. The anthropogenic Pb burdens were then used as a correction for focusing for the other metals. Among the metals, Cr and Ni were the most readily exported from drainage basins, followed by Cu. Zn showed no increase with drainage ratio, indicating Zn to be effectively retained by catchments. The export coefficients of the Pb corrected metals correlate well with ocean residence time, revealing a similar metal sorption/precipitation sequence in both soils and oceans. Sediment metal burdens provide a relatively easy way to obtain not only metal export coefficients from drainage basins, but also the atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic metals (e.g. Pb: S.E. Quebec, 950 mg^*m^–2: Laurentians, north of Montreal, 420 mg^*m^–2). The export coefficients are not only simpler to obtain than by mass balance measurements, but, in addition, identify the anthropogenic component.     

重金属铅对鲫鱼乳酸脱氢酶和过氧化氢酶活性的影响

在实验室条件下,采用毒性实验方法研究不同浓度重金属铅(Pb2 )对鲫鱼血清乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)和血液过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性的影响.研究结果表明,随着金属离子铅浓度的增高血清中乳酸脱氢酶和过氧化氢酶活性下降,但两种酶对铅离子影响的敏感程度不同.影响LDH活性的最低铅离子浓度为0.1mmol/L,而CAT为0.5mmol/L,当Pb2 浓度为1mmol/L时,LDH活性降至10%左右,而CAT仅下降50%左右.对重金属离子浓度与酶活性的定性和定量分析为有效监控鱼类生存环境提供了有价值的参考资料.     

西安市蔬菜中重金属污染分析评价

采用原子吸收光谱法和原子荧光光度法,测定了西安市郊区10种蔬菜40个样品中汞、砷、铅、铬和镉的含量;并以国家标准(GB18406.1-2001)为依据.对蔬菜重金属污染状况进行分析评价,以明确西安市蔬菜中重金属污染状况.结果表明,西安市10种蔬菜总体合格率为83%,铅是蔬菜中的主要污染元素,在测定的10种蔬菜中普遍存在,总体超标率为77.5%;汞和铬只在芹菜和茼蒿上出现污染,总体超标率分别为10%和2.5%;叶菜类蔬菜铅污染>茄果类蔬菜;砷和镉含量均末超过国家标准规定,合格率为100%.铅的污染程度按蔬菜种类依次为:生菜>茼蒿>韭菜>茄子>芹菜>豇豆>青椒>油麦菜>西红柿>黄瓜,按不同生产区域依次为:西郊>北郊>东郊>南郊.     

Microelement composition of the green alga Ulva fenestrata from Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan

Concentrations of heavy metals Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ni were determined in the thalluses of the green alga Ulva fenestrata sampled from different locations in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan). According to the metal concentrations in Ulva, the degree of pollution of the surveyed areas in Peter the Great Bay decreases in the following series: Amur Bay > Ussuri Bay > Nakhodka Bay > Vostok Bay > the water area of Far Eastern State Marine Nature Biosphere Reserve. The microelement composition of Ulva from open-shore stations reflects the heavy metal pollution level of water areas as a whole. The concentrations of trace elements in U. fenestrata from closed coastal areas are indicative of marine coastal water pollution from local sources. Generally, metal concentrations in U. fenestrata from Peter the Great Bay are similar to heavy metal levels in non-polluted or weakly polluted coastal areas of the world.     

Indicator ability of biosubstances in monitoring the moderate occupational exposure to toxic metals

In order to improve the monitoring system, watching influence of toxic metals on human health in industrial plants, indicator properties of different biosubstances were compared. Four types of samples (whole blood, plasma, urine, and hair) from 263 workers of the “Khimprom” chemical plant (Novocheboksarsk, Russia) were subjected to multielement analysis by ICP-AES/ICP-MS. 19–25 chemical elements, including main toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, etc.) were determined. The results were calculated with regard to workers’ individual data on occupational exposure to chemical elements. Hair was found to be the most sensitive to toxic and conditionally toxic trace metals: Pb, Mn, Cr, Be, Ni, while occupational contact with macro elements (Na, P), trace metalloids (Si, B) and some other metals (Zn) was not reflected in hair. Whole blood relatively weakly indicated a moderate occupational level of metals except Pb and Mn, but effectively reflected deficiencies of essential elements: I, Cr, and shifts in K/Na ratio, which are likely to be secondary effects of harmful occupational factors. Blood plasma reflected only contact with Be, P; urine – only with Ni. In both whole blood and plasma the changes for the absolute majority of elements were similar. Thus, hair analysis is useful for monitoring the occupational exposure to toxic and conditionally toxic chemical elements, while a general estimation of occupational harmful influence on mineral metabolism requires simultaneous investigation of two biosubstances: hair and whole blood, or hair and blood plasma, with whole blood being more preferable. Analysis of urine is appropriate for monitoring particular chemical elements, e.g. nickel.     

小麦不同生育时期Cd、Cr、Pb污染监测指标体系

以小麦为供试材料,分别采用发芽试验、溶液培养、土柱栽培等毒理试验方法,研究了小麦萌芽期、幼苗期及成株期受重金属污染毒害的指标体系。结果表明,①小麦根伸长抑制率可作为萌芽期重金属污染评价的一项生物指标;Cd、Cr、Pb对小麦根生长的7d半效应浓度(EC50)值分别为1.39、0.20mmo.lL-1和2.75mmol.L-1,据此得到3种重金属对小麦同一性状的毒性次序为CrCdPb;此外各性状抑制率与胁迫浓度的关系可用双曲线模型y=x/(a+x/100)或指数曲线模型y=a(1-exp(-bx))较好模拟。②Cd、Cr、Pb单一污染胁迫对小麦幼苗性状的毒性次序均以影响叶面积和冠部干重为主,表明叶面积和冠部干重为幼苗期污染监测的敏感指标;重金属对除根干重外所有性状的毒性次序:CrCdPb,该毒性次序是根据引起50%抑制的临界浓度即EC50值确定的;各性状抑制率与胁迫浓度的关系可用直线模型、或双曲线模型、或指数曲线模型较好模拟。③重金属单一污染胁迫造成小麦籽粒产量下降幅度是CdCrPb;二元互作对产量影响的重要性次序为CdCrCdPbCrPb;在Cd、Cr、Pb复合污染胁迫条件下,穗数可以作为成株期重金属污染监测的首选指标。以上指标可为农田小麦重金属污染的监测和综合治理提供一些理论依据。     

Determination of water quality,and trace metals in endemic Sarotherodon linellii,Pungu maclareni and Clarias maclareni,in crater Lake Barombi Mbo,Cameroon

Considering water pollution as a potential threat to some endemic cichlids of Lake Barombi Mbo, Cameroon, an investigation was done in 2011 to determine trace metals in its water, linking their uptake in gills and liver of fish to water chemistry. ICP-MS and ICP-OES analyses of trace metals based on total concentration of unfiltered lake water samples showed the presence of trace metals. All fish species accumulated Al, Mn and Sr in the highest concentrations in their gills, with Cu, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb and U highest in the liver. Pungu maclareni accumulated Al, Cr, Co, Sr and Pb in the highest concentrations. The highest mean gill Al concentration of 140 µg g^?1 dry weight was measured in P. maclareni gills, this being one of the critically endangered cichlids of the lake. Stable isotope analyses of carbon δ¹³C and nitrogen δ¹⁵N showed that P. maclareni had the highest mean δ¹³C (?30.2‰) and highest concentrations of Cr, Co, Pb and U in liver, probably linking the carbon source to the accumulation of metals. Though trace metal levels in the lake water were low, their presence in fish tissues suggest they are bioavailable, bioaccumulate and may pose a threat to the aquatic biota, and therefore should be monitored.     

典型城市单元的土壤重金属溯源方法与实证研究

随着城市化进程的不断深入,土壤中重金属污染现状及其治理情况越来越受到重视,而查明污染源是有效治理污染的前提。源解析技术目前已广泛的应用于环境受体重金属来源解析实践中,总结了近年来土壤重金属成因分析的常用方法及原理,并提出了一种将多种方法相配合使用的方法体系。选取珠三角某市城郊农田作为研究对象,结果表明,Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、As存在含量超过国家农用地筛选值的情况,其中Cd超标率高达60.1%。农业活动、工业生产、交通源和自然母质均对研究区土壤重金属的累积产生一定的贡献。正定矩阵因子分析法(PMF,Positive Matrix Factorization)模型模拟的Cd、Ni、Zn和Hg预测值与实测值线性拟合r~2均大于90%,其余元素r~2均大于60%,呈现出很好的相关性,满足研究需要。PMF模型和铅同位素比值法计算得到的交通及农业对土壤Pb累积的贡献率之和分别为86.0%和84.8%,PMF模型和物质流分析法计算得到的农业对土壤Cd的贡献率分别为86.7%和79.7%,结果均比较接近。结果表明正定矩阵因子法、同位素比值分析法,物质流分析法能很好的联用应用于土壤重金属源解析研究。     

基于“源-汇”景观的饮用水源地非点源污染风险遥感识别与评价

非点源污染因分布广泛、产生过程复杂、防治困难,近年成为影响饮用水源地水环境的重要污染源。以海南三亚赤田水库为例,开展了基于"源-汇"景观的非点源污染风险遥感识别与评价分析。首先,采用高分辨率遥感影像分类提取水源地不同类型景观分布信息;结合"源-汇"对污染的促进\\阻碍作用,在考虑影响污染物迁移的"河道距离"因子、坡度因子情况下,利用非点源污染风险指数的计算实现对区域非点源污染风险的快速识别;并基于洛伦兹曲线分析水源地景观空间分布对非点源污染的影响。结果表明:一方面,流域非点源污染风险总体较低,"汇"景观占主导作用的子流域占整个区域的76.50%;污染风险呈现东高西低的特点,极高风险区主要分布于以居住用地、建设用地等"源"景观类型为主的流域东南部区域,占整体区域面积的1.28%,而西部以林地为主污染风险小;另一方面,基于坡度因子的"源""汇"景观污染负荷之比值大于1,"源"景观在低坡度区域分布范围广,景观布局较合理;基于"河道距离"因子的"源""汇"景观污染负荷之比值为2.30,"源"景观在距河道近的区域分布范围大,对污染影响大,近河道区域需进一步调整景观格局以降低对非点源污染的影响。基于遥感与"源-汇"景观指数计算是一种快速、客观、有效的饮用水源地的非点源污染风险识别与评价方法。     

Aerosol lead and associated elements in Beijing,China

The relative importance of local and regional sources of lead and associated elements in fine and coarse aerosol particles of an urban atmosphere was assessed by means of a two-day study, July 20 and 30, 1980 in Beijing, China. Five near-ground locations were selected for aerosol sampling by cascade impactors and elemental analysis by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE): the imperial palace courtyard, a park, near two streets, and a mid-street traffic island. These sites, ranked in order of increasing traffic intensity and fugitive surface dust, showed that concentrations of major dust constitutents, represented by coarse particle (>2 μm diameter) Si, Al, and Ca, increased correspondingly. Pb, as well as Zn, As, and Cu, were present mainly in fine (<2 μm) particles; their concentrations were unrelated to traffic, indicating they resulted mainly from regional combustion or other sources. However, these elements also were present in coarse particles at concentrations that varied with the major dust elements and were relatively enriched, compared to average earth crust rock material, by factors of more than 100 (Pb), 50 (Zn), and 10 (Cu). Nonurban Beijing shows much smaller coarse aerosol enrichments of Pb, Zn, and Cu, indicating urban contamination of surface dust. Published data from St. Louis, USA show both fine and coarse aerosol Pb and Zn. Compared with Beijing, fine and coarse concentrations in St. Louis are similar for Pb, but lower for Zn, Ca, and Fe. Both Pb and Zn are enriched relative to earth crust composition to a greater degree in St. Louis than Beijing in both fine and coarse particle size ranges. The results suggest that heavy metals from combustion occur in the air as fine particles and, after deposition on the surface, as reentrained coarse particles of fugitive dust. Both many contribute to human exposures of these heavy metals.