Lead isotopic ratios in European atmospheric aerosols

Abstract

Aerosols collected between 1994 and 1999 at more than 45 different sites in Europe have been measured for Pb isotopic composition and Pb concentrations by Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS). With respect to ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios a change in isotopic composition compared with earlier measurements was detected in parts of Europe. Also, seasonal variations were observed at some sites. This was most probably due to a relative increase (due to the phasing out of leaded petrol) of both industrial Pb in the atmosphere and pollution from long- or meso-scale transport.