Overview
This study measured anthropogenic platinum group element concentrations (Pt, Pd, Rh) in PM10 and PM2.5 from traffic junctions and industrial sites in Kolkata during winter and monsoon seasons of 2013-2014. The pattern of Pd > Pt > Rh at all locations and seasons, combined with strong Pt-Pd correlations at traffic sites, confirms catalytic converter origin. Most PGEs concentrated in the PM2.5 fraction.
Key numbers
- Traffic junction PM10 Pd: 2.7-111 ng/m3 (winter)
- Mean traffic junction PM10 Pd: 10.8 ng/m3 (winter)
- Industrial site PM10 Pd: 3.12-32.3 ng/m3
- Most PGEs concentrated in PM2.5 fraction (smaller particles)
- Strong Pt-Pd correlation at traffic junctions: R = 0.79-0.82
- Weak Pt-Pd correlation at industrial sites (different source mix)
- Pd > Pt > Rh at all locations and seasons
Methods (brief)
High-volume PM10 and PM2.5 samplers deployed at traffic junctions and industrial sites in Kolkata. Sampling across winter (2013-2014) and monsoon seasons. ICP-MS after microwave acid digestion. Pd, Pt, and Rh measured. Source attribution via elemental ratios and correlation analysis.
Implications
This page makes the source discoverable for palladium evidence routing. Provides one of the highest reported PM10 Pd concentrations in the literature (up to 111 ng/m3 at traffic junctions), substantially above European and North American monitoring values, relevant for high-traffic-density inhalation exposure scenarios in South Asian cities.
Related evidence
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