Influence of rain and other meteorological parameters on trace metals in size fractionated particles in a polluted urban atmosphere

Relationships between meteorological variables and particles, metals and their size fraction concentrations were determined from samples collected in different climatic situations. Special attention was focused on the effect of rain. Single correlation and multiple regression statistical methods were performed on samples from both rainy and dry days. Coarse particle concentrations diminished linearly when rainfall increased. The metals Fe, V, Ni, Ti, and Mn diminished as well. A substantial concentration effect was produced by the temperature on TSP, Fe, Ti, and Mn concentrations in fine particles. Also, a dispersion effect was produced by the atmospheric pressure on TSP, Mn, Fe, Ti, Ni, and V concentrations in these particles. Besides, there was a dispersion effect by the wind speed on TSP and Cd concentrations. The fine particles and metals between 1.3 and 0.6 micrometers are those best correlated with meteorological parameters. Multiple linear regression was demonstrated to be a powerful tool to explain the particle and metal levels in relation to size distribution and meteorology.