Elemental Characterization Of Himalayan Airborne Particulate Matter Collected At 5100 M A.S.L

The elemental composition of the airborne particulate matter collected at CNR Ev-K-2-Laboratory-Observatory at 5100m a.s.l. in the Himalaya-Khumbu Valley, Nepal, has been evaluated. Samples of total suspended particles (TSP), as well as of the particle size fractions PM 10 and PM 2.5, were collected by pump aspiration onto filters and analyzed by INAA and GF-AAS for the determination of 30 elements. Enrichment factors have been calculated as well, by the analysis of the local soils. Samplings were carried out in the pre-monsoon period of March-May 2002 and the post-monsoon period of October 2003 in order to observe seasonal variations of the amount and the composition of the air particulates.