The use of mineral magnetic measurements as a particulate matter (PM) proxy for road deposited sediments (RDS): Marylebone Road, London

Road deposited sediments (RDS) are a recognised pollution problem and a worrying public health concern of many urban environments. Linkages between the magneto characteristics of RDS and their particle size properties have been explored to determine the extent to which magnetic technologies can be utilised as a proxy for proffering insights to address pollution challenges. Samples (n = 60) were collected (May, 2008) along both sides of a busy urban road (Marylebone Road) in central London, UK. Magnetic concentration parameters (LF, χARM and SIRM) reveal high levels of magnetic material, when compared to previous urban RDS studies. Correlation analysis between the magnetic parameters and textural parameters (LF, χARM, SIRM and PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10) show significantly strong relationships but, unlike earlier studies, the trends display negative correlations. Despite this kinship not adhering to previously identified trends, this does not mean that mineral magnetic measurements cannot be used as a proxy. Moreover, it simply implies that the nature of any trends needs to be established for specific places before it can be reliably applied as a proxy.