Study of particulate pollutants in the air of Riyadh by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

Particulate pollutants in air samples from different parts of the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were studied prior to the Gulf war, employing energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. Eight significant elements were found. Particular attention was paid to the study of the pollutants Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb due to their potential toxicity. These results will be of interest given the changed conditions.