Neutron activation analysis of atmospheric aerosols from a small Pacific Island country: a case study of Suva, Fiji Islands

Garimella, Sitaram and Deo, Ravin N. (2007) Neutron activation analysis of atmospheric aerosols from a small Pacific Island country: a case study of Suva, Fiji Islands. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 7 (4). pp. 500-517. ISSN 2071-1409

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Abstract

A systematic study was developed to investigate the quality of air in Suva, the capital city of Fiji Islands. This is the first work of its kind in the South Pacific Islands and was aimed at characterizing the elemental abundances in total suspended particulate (TSP) matter in Suva 19s air. Aerosol samples were collected from 11 locations in Suva during the period 2000 132003 using a high-volume sampler. Concentrations of some heavy metals and other trace elements in these atmospheric aerosols were investigated by neutron activation analysis and gamma spectrometry. Concentrations of total suspended particulates for residential, traffic and industrial areas were found to be in the range 9-43, 20-58 and 33-91 ;Cg/m3, respectively. The elements sodium, iron and zinc have been observed in relatively higher concentrations than other elements. Moreover, calculated enrichment factors for some elements (such as arsenic, bromine, cobalt, chromium and antimony) reveal possible anthropogenic inputs into air mainly through automobile exhaust emissions.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Engineering and Physics
Depositing User:	Ms Mereoni Camailakeba
Date Deposited:	27 May 2007 03:21
Last Modified:	24 May 2012 07:06
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/703

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