Chemical composition and source apportionment of particulate matter in Elche, Spain

, source apportionment, PIXE, chemical analysis, mass concentration. The chemical composition of particulate matter has been studied in Elche, a medium-size city (225,000 inhabitants), in the southeast of Spain, ∼10 km inland from the Mediterra nean coast. This area is characterised by ve ry scarce annual precipitation, dryness of th e tsoil (semi-arid surroundings) and frequent occurrence of episodes of African du st intrusio ns. Samples of both PM