This study aimed to calculate size-fractionated PM-bound metals concentration (Co, V, Ni, Cu, Mn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr and Hg) in a European hot spot area in terms of PM air pollution (Zabrze, Poland) and to show their deposition ratios in human airways. Additionally, meteorological data was used to conclude the probable influence of atmospheric conditions on the variability of the PM mass concentrations in different periods of the year. Data regarding the elemental composition of size-fractionated PM in various regions of Poland was also presented. The determination of the selected metals in PM-fractionated samples (PM₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀) was performed in two periods – the heating and non-heating season. It was found that metals were primarily associated with particles less than 1 µm, however, the PM size distribution had shown bi-modal characteristics and the maxima of metal mass distribution occurred in both submicron and fine modes. High PM₁ mass loadings, observed especially in the non-heating season were probably due to an influx of fine and even smaller particles from traffic sources. Metals distributions as well as respiratory deposition ratios for PM-bound elements calculated using the MPPD V2.11 model favored nasal and head deposition. The overall mass deposition of metals in the respiratory tract of adults was: 0.39 (Head region, H); 0.07 (Tracheobronchial region, TB); 0.16 (Pulmonary region, P) respectively. No matter the season, the highest inhalable concentrations of metals were found for Cu, Mn, Cr and Pb. Only Cr and Pb are classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic (according to IARC classification).

本研究旨在计算欧洲 PM 空气污染热点地区（波兰扎布热）中按尺寸分级的 PM 结合金属浓度（Co、V、Ni、Cu、Mn、As、Cd、Pb、Cr 和 Hg） ）并显示它们在人体呼吸道中的沉积率。此外，还利用气象数据得出大气条件对一年中不同时期PM质量浓度变化的可能影响。还提供了波兰各地区颗粒分级颗粒物元素组成的数据。 PM 分级样品（PM ₁、PM _2.5和 PM ₁₀ ）中选定金属的测定分两个时期进行：采暖季和非采暖季。研究发现，金属主要与小于 1 µm 的颗粒相关，然而，PM 尺寸分布显示出双峰特征，并且金属质量分布的最大值出现在亚微米和精细模式中。特别是在非供暖季节观察到的高 PM ₁质量负荷可能是由于交通源中细颗粒甚至更小的颗粒的涌入造成的。使用 MPPD V2.11 模型计算的金属分布以及 PM 结合元素的呼吸沉积率有利于鼻腔和头部沉积。成人呼吸道金属总沉积量为：0.39（头部区域，H）； 0.07（气管支气管区域，TB）；分别为 0.16（肺部区域，P）。无论什么季节，可吸入金属浓度最高的是铜、锰、铬和铅。只有 Cr 和 Pb 被列为致癌和致突变物质（根据 IARC 分类）。