Airborne ²¹⁰Pb, Si, Zn and Pb as tracers for atmospheric pollution in Helsinki metropolitan area

This study analyzed 16070 daily and 608 weekly air filter samples from the Helsinki metropolitan area collected between 1962 and 2005. The aim was to use the Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) to determine potential sources of silicon (Si), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and radioactive isotope 210Pb. The main sources for Si and Pb were industrial activities, particularly mining, metal industry, and traffic. Common source areas for Zn and 210Pb were identified in the eastern and southeastern parts of the measuring site.