Mineral phases containing heavy metals in the suspended dust from Budapest, Hungary

Abstract

The mineralogy, geochemistry and magnetic properties of total suspended particulate (TSP) matter in Budapest, Hungary were studied to identify their heavy metal-bearing mineral phases. Amorphous organic matter, magnetite, salts as well as mineral phases characteristic of the surrounding geology are the main components of the TSP. They show significant enrichment in several heavy metals, such as Zn (up to 19 046 mg/kg), Pb (up to 3597 mg/kg), Cu (up to 699 mg/kg) and Mo (up to 53 mg/kg). The most frequent heavy metal-bearing mineral phases are spherular or xenomorphic magnetite particles containing 2-3 wt% Pb and Zn. They often form aggregates and are closely associated with soot and/or clay minerals. The size of these particles is rarely below 30 nm. Cu and Mo could be associated to magnetite too. Clay minerals and mica particles may also contain significant amount of Zn (up to 5wt%). Additionally, ZnO and ZnCO3 particles were found in the sample with highest Zn content and our data suggest the potential association of Pb and carbonates, as well. Magnetite particles are resistant to weathering releasing its toxic components slowly to the environment, while layer silicates (and carbonates) may be the potential source of mobile toxic metals in the TSP.