The present work aimed the study of atmospheric deposition of toxic elements near to a tannery industry by collecting black material deposited on leaf surfaces of cinnamon trees (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). Elements such as As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For comparison purpose, black particles deposited on the leaf surface of lemon trees (Citrus lemon) collected away from the tannery industry were also analyzed. Results showed that the amount of toxic elements found in the black particles collected near tannery area was significantly higher than the amount of those measured in the comparison site. Enrichment factors (EF) of As and Cr were markedly impacted by anthropogenic emissions, whereas the other elements were moderately/slightly enriched. Cluster analysis (CA) identified the leather industry as the anthropogenic source, while As possibly comes from the wide use of pesticides and herbicides in agricultural practices. The results indicated that emissions from the leather industry and agricultural activities are the main source of pollution in this area.
Keywords:
leather industry; ICP-MS; toxic elements; atmospheric particles
