Comprehensive analysis of 210Pb activity measurements in ground-level air samples: influence of local meteorological parameters, PM10 concentrations and air mass dynamics in the western part of Spain (2012–2022)

Abstract This study analyzes the influence of meteorology, PM 10 concentration, and air mass origin on aerosol 210 Pb activity in Cáceres, Spain. First, gamma spectrometry accuracy was assessed, confirming reproducibility within 10% uncertainty despite radiochemical separation challenges. Second, data from 2012 to 2022 showed no long-term trends, though in summer slightly higher 210 Pb levels are observed. Precipitation and PM 10 were significantly correlated with 210 Pb activity. HYSPLIT analysis indicated that continental and slow-moving air masses carried higher 210 Pb levels than Atlantic air masses. Finally, inhalation dose assessments confirmed exposure remains well below regulatory limits. Graphical abstract