Determination of water-soluble inorganic species in airborne atmospheric particulate matter in an Urban Area in Jordan

Major water soluble cations and anions in inhalable (INP) and noninhalable (Nip) airbome particulate matter samples have been determined in an urban area of Amman city of Jordan during Winter, 1996 by ion chromatography. The total average level of F-, CI+, NO3+, SO42- and total suspended particles (Tsp) were 1.48, 3.84, 6.40, 45.85 and 221μg/m3, respectively. For cations, the total average levels were 25.42, 6.68, 4.06, 5.84, and 25.05 μg/m3 for Na+, NH4+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, respectively. This study show ss that the concentrations of FΛ, NO3Λ, SO42, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ in the INP fraction were significantly greater than in the Nip fraction while the CI+ and NH4+ levels are greater than in the Nip, In the same sampling site, it was found that the nitrate and sulfate concentrations in air particulate matter are significantly higher in winter, 1996 than in summer season, 1995. However, the levels of fluoride and chloride are greater in summer than in winter. (authors). 24 refs., 5 figs., 2 table