Carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses coupled with palynological data of PM10 in Wroclaw city (SW Poland) - assessment of anthropogenic impact

We have applied both palynological and carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses of PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 mu m or less) to trace its origin and to assess the anthropogenic impact for the area under study. The PM10 samples were collected in Wroclaw (SW Poland) by the Regional Inspectorate for Environment Protection during the year 2007. The usefulness of the palynological observations in the case of PM10 is much lower than that for total suspended particles due to the resolution of absorbed particles, but is still helpful for distinguishing C-3/C-4 plants that indicate long-distance transport of pollutants. The delta C-13(PM10) values varied seasonally from -26.9 to -25.1 parts per thousand The delta N-15(PM10) values showed chaotic fluctuations and varied from 5.0 to 13.7 parts per thousand Our results indicated that during the heating period, the PM10 particles in Wroclaw are derived mainly from local home heaters, whereas in the growing period, PM10 particles are derived from local transport and are partially generated by the industrial application of coal combustion outside the city of Wroclaw.