Observation of Heavy Metal Compounds in Suspended Particulate Matter at East Helena, Montana

Abstract

X-ray diffraction, x-ray transmission, and x-ray fluorescence procedures have been used to evaluate quantitatively the chemical species for 24 ambient filter samples taken from receptor sites at East Helena, Montana. Twenty-five distinct chemical compounds representing various smelting processes, atmospheric chemical reactions, local fugitive dust sources, and possible fitter artifacts have been observed. These compounds Include the common crustal silicates and carbonates, and Industrial sulf ides, sulf ates, and oxides. In addition, elemental cadmium and copper have been observed in a number of ambient samples. The soils and some accumulated residential dust of the East Helena area contain relatively high levels of lead and copper compounds.