ATMOSPHERIC LEVELS OF TRACE-ELEMENTS IN GLASGOW

Although the levels of atmospheric elements in Glasgow vary considerably throughout the year, the mean values are in general agreement with those recorded for similar environments throughout the world. Periods of fog and calm tend to increase levels, while rain clears the atmosphere. This has obvious implications for the setting of control standards for levels of elements in the atmosphere. Elemental levels are generally higher in winter with the exception of Se which reached a peak in summer. The trends for the other volatile element studied (Sb) were complicated by very high values recorded during foggy conditions. From a study of enrichment factors compared to soil or rock, it would appear that the major source of most of the elements present in the atmosphere is from the burning of fossil fuel with additional sources for Ag, Br, Sb, Se and Zn. © 1979.