Toxic elements in the environment of thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract

Heavy metals and other toxic elements (Fe, Cr, Co, Zn, Mn, Cd, As, Sb, Se and Pb) were determined in roadside dust samples collected at 20 sampling points of the area of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Instrumental neutron activation combined with high resolution γ‐ray spectroscopy, as well as atomic absorption spectroscopy were used for element determination. Results showed that roadside dust in the urban area of the city contained elevated concentrations of Pb, Zn and Sb, whereas in the industrial area found increased concentrations of As, Cd, Cr and Pb.