The distribution of airborne metals in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia

The moss bag technique of air quality monitoring has been used to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of iron, manganese, lead, zinc, copper and cadmium in the vicinity of the Port Kembla industrial complex. Data for September and December 1980, and April 1981 are presented as representative of spring, summer and autumn climatic conditions. The results showed that the concentration of all elements fell off markedly with distance from the pollution source, with cadmium and copper being restricted to the immediate vicinity of the smelter. Some change in the seasonal pattern is evident and appears to be largely controlled by wind conditions at the source.