Elemental composition and source apportionment of particulate matter near a steel plant in Genoa (Italy).

The composition of particulate matter near a large steel plant, located inside the town of Genoa (Italy), has been studied since July 2004. Several instruments have been used: a sequential sampler, operated on a daily basis and a two-stage continuous streaker sampler. An optical particle counter (OPC) provided the aerosol size distribution with a 1-min time resolution. PIXE and ED-XRF analysis were performed on the aerosol samples. In particular, the streaker frames were analyzed by PIXE at the new external proton beam facility of INFN-Florence whereas the daily filters were measured by ED-XRF in Genoa. We present here results obtained in a part of the campaign when all the above quoted devices have been operated simultaneously.