Characterization of Airborne Heavy Metals within a Primary Zinc-Lead Smelting Works

Abstract

An investigation of airborne Pb, Zn, and Cd was conducted within the workplace environment at an important pyrometallurgical zinc-lead smelter. Particle size distributions for, the metals were obtained by using cascade impactors, and chemical species were identified by X-ray powder diffraction spectrometry. The results are interpreted in terms of the various operations occurring within the works. The techniques employed are shown to be of value for the identification pf emission sources in industrial atmospheres. © 1981, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.