Magnetic fraction of the atmospheric dust in Krakow - physicochemicalcharacteristics and possible environmental impact

It is well established that airborne, magnetic nano-and microparticles accumulate in human organs (e.g. brain) thereby increasing the risk of various diseases (e.g. cancer, neurodegenerative diseases). Therefore, precise characterization of the material, including its origins, is a key factor in preventing further, uncontrolled emission and circulation. The magnetic fraction of atmospheric dust was collected in Krak & oacute;w using a static sampler and analysed using several methods (scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) measurements). The magnetic fraction contains magnetite, hematite and alpha-Fe, as well as quartz, feldspar and pyroxene often attached to the magnetic particles. The magnetic particles vary in size, from over 20 mu m to nanoparticles below 100 nm, as well as in morphology (irregular or spherical). Their chemical composition is dominated by Fe, often with Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, Si, Al, S, Ca and other elements. Mossbauer spectroscopy corroborates the composition of the material, giving further indications of particles smaller than 100 nm present in the atmospheric dust. VSM measurements confirm that the strength of the magnetic signal can be treated as a measure of the anthropogenic impact on the suspended particulate matter, once again highlighting the presence of nanoparticles.

Automated summary

It has been established that airborne, magnetic nano-and microparticles accumulate in human organs and pose a risk of various diseases. Precise characterization of these particles, including their origins, is crucial in preventing further emission and circulation. A study in Krak & oacute;w collected magnetic atmospheric dust and used various methods to analyze its composition, size, and morphology. The results showed the presence of different minerals and the dominance of iron in the magnetic particles, indicating the presence of nanoparticles.