Platinum group elements (Pt, Pd, Rh) in airborne particulate matter in rural vs. urban areas of Germany: concentrations and spatial patterns of distribution.

This study examines platinum group element concentrations (PGE) (i.e. platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh)) and their spatial distribution in airborne particulate matter fractions (PM) of human health concern in urban and rural areas of Germany. Fractionated airborne dust and PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 samples were collected along a busy road in Frankfurt am Main from July 2008 to April 2010. PM10 was also sampled in Deuselbach and Neuglobsow between January 2008 and July 2009 to examine their concentrations at rural locations and potential for long-range transport.