A new technique in pinpointing the source of zinc pollution could lead to more successful pollution regulation, claim researchers from Imperial College London.
Current techniques measure the levels of zinc, but cannot trace its source.
At high levels, atmospheric zinc is thought to contribute to reproductive, cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
Working on an example from Sao Paulo, Brazil, the researchers managed to trace the chief source to car exhaust fumes and car metal friction, rather than industry, as previously thought.
Commenting on the technique, study co-author, Dr Dominik Weiss from Imperial's Department of Earth Science and Engineering, said: "We need to know where these sources of pollution are coming from because exposure to zinc pollution over a long period of time is a significant concern for the health of residents in big cities such as Sao Paulo or London.”
Relying on the analysis of zinc isotopes – which vary according to the cause – the technique allowed the researchers to ‘fingerprint’ the source.
The team also emphasized that the technique could be used to trace other pollution metals.
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Date Published: November 20, 2008
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