Distribution of pollutant aerosols in Mexico City

The ecological and toxicological effects in the environment are mainly governed by concentrations of different chemical element constituents dispersed as aerosols in the atmosphere so, their analysis is very important. Analysis of the aerosols samples collected with a cascade impactor or a filter unit was simplified by using ion beam analytical techniques. Data collected routinely at regular intervals throughout the year and during special seasonal periods is the supporting statistical material by which the behavior of the elements concentrations can be observed. The PIXE technique was used in these studies for analysing samples collected in the spring of 1988 and others taken once weekly in the same year. Here the results are presented and discussed. (Author)