摘要：Total suspended particulate matter was collected using SKC side kick sampling pump method from Shukwari Ward of Maiduguri Metropolis, Nigeria between the periods of January to December, 2004 and was analyzed for 13 elements by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) method. The concentrations of the elements in the entire quarter range from 0.02-5.12 ÃZ¼g m-3. The highest elemental concentrations were observed in the order second quarter (April-June) >first quarter (January-March) >forth quarter (October-December) >third quarter (July-September). The results showed that the concentration of Na, Zn and Ni were highest in the suspended particulate matter, while Cr, Mn and Mg were low. Significant positive linear correlation coefficients among elements in the suspended particulate matter were established, indicating common sources of heavy metal pollution. The concentration of SO4-2- ranged from 250 to 312.50 ÃZ¼g m-3 while NO3- ranged from 9900.00 to 15033.33 ÃZ¼g m-3. The concentrations of the elements, SO42- and NO3 in the suspended particulate matter exceeded the limits set by WHO and FEPA.
