ASSESSMENT OF LEAD CONCENTRATION IN THE AEROSOL SAMPLING USING DIFFERENT ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES


Author(s): Mirela Alushllari1, Sukru DURSUN2, Silvana Mico3, Nikolla Civici4
  • 1. Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
  • 2. Engineering and Natural Science Faculty, Konya Technical University, Konya, Turkey
  • 3. Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
  • 4. Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania

Abstract: Object of this study were the aerosol samples collected in Tirana and Elbasan cities. The population of our country is concentrated in the capital city of Tirana. It has a continuous development of industrial commercial and construction activity. Elbasan was chosen not only for the high population, but also and for the activity of the former Metallurgical Combine. Instrumental methods of analysis with destructive and non- destructive used to determine metals concentration in aerosol samples. The aim of this study is to determine the lead concentration in aerosol samples using different analytical techniques. We have selected 8 aerosols samples, which are divided in two parts and only one in four parts. We have analysed a total 18 filter aerosol samples. Aerosol samples are collected in Tirana and Elbasan cities and were analysed for lead content by using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and X-ray Fluorescence in the Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics, University of Tirana, Albania. From the results obtained show that the level of lead in the aerosol samples that are collected in Elbasan is higher than in samples are collected in Tirana. By the use of various techniques in the measurement of lead in aerosols it is noticed that the more information is obtained from the technique of X-ray while for the presence of lead in low concentrations, GFAAS technique has the highest accuracy and sensitivity.