PROBING HEAVY METALS IN TROPOSPHERIC PARTICULATE MATTER – AN APPROACH TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Various organic and inorganic contaminants are increasingly found in the atmosphere due to several anthropogenic sources of alarming concern. Amongst the various classes of pollutants, heavy metals (HMs) have drawn global attention due to their bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential in cellular and sub-cellular structures of living organisms. In comparison to other media of dispersion of HMs, the mechanism involved in particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere makes it easier for the transport of HMs over long distances at a global and regional scale due to the non-confinement of air masses. The transport of HMs through atmospheric PM requires close assessment and monitoring. At present, there is limited literature focusing on heavy metals in aerosols and dust. Most of the available studies have emphasized heavy metals in soil and water. The current review comprehensively highlights the various aspects of HMs including the sources, recent trends, and investigation models explored for the assessment and monitoring of HMs in PM and atmospheric aerosols, which will further help in achieving sustainable environmental monitoring aspects more precisely.