Multivariate Analysis of Magnetic Parameters and Trace Metals in Atmospheric Dustfall and Its Environmental Implications in Northern China

Magnetic measurement was combined with geochemical analysis to investigate the trace metal pollution of atmospheric dustfall from rural areas of Inner Mongolia and urban regions of Hebei province in northern China. It is found that the type of magnetic mineral within atmospheric dustfall samples in Inner Mongolia is similar to those found in Hebei province, but the atmospheric dustfall samples in Inner Mongolia have lower magnetic mineral concentrations and finer particles. Linear multiple regression analyses show that the relationship between magnetic parameters and trace metals is found to vary between the contrasting rural and urban areas, and is controlled by the different source magnetic minerals. The concentration- and type-dependent magnetic properties of the particles correlated strongly with the concentrations of trace metals derived from natural processes, and the grain size-dependent magnetic parameters correlated negatively and significantly with the concentrations of trace metals derived from anthropogenic activities.