Airborne particulate matter (PM) filter analysis and modeling by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and X-ray standing wave (XSW)

Abstract

This work is presented as an improvement of a recently introduced method for airborne particulate matter (PM) filter analysis [1]. X-ray Standing Wave (XSW) and Total reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) were performed with a new dedicated laboratory instrumentation. The main advantage of performing both XSW and TXRF, is the possibility to distinguish the nature of the sample: if it is a small droplet dry residue, a thin film like or a bulk sample; and to select the angle of total reflection to make TXRF measurements. Finally, the possibility to switch the X-ray source allows to measure with more accuracy lighter and heavier elements (with a a change in X-ray anode, for example from Mo to Cu). The aim of the present study is to lay the theoretical foundation of the new proposed method for airborne PM filters quantitative analysis improving the accuracy and efficiency of quantification by means of an external standard. The theoretical model presented and discussed demonstrated that airborne PM filters can be considered as thin layers. A set of reference samples is prepared in laboratory and used to obtain a calibration curve. Our results demonstrate that the proposed method for quantitative analysis of air PM filters is affordable and reliable without the necessity to digest filters to obtain quantitative chemical analysis, and that the use of XRW improve the accuracy of TXRF analysis.

Tremor, olfactory and motor changes in Italian adolescents exposed to historical ferro-manganese emission

“…Total PM10 particulate load on the filter was determined gravimetrically, as well as chemically. Particulate metal content was determined using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy, according to a methodology published elsewhere (Borgese et al, 2011a, 2011b). …”

Aerosol Pollutants during Agricultural Biomass Burning: A Case Study in Ba Vi Region in Hanoi, Vietnam

“…Measurements were performed for 600 s with a Bruker S2 PICOFOX spectrometer equipped with molybdenum X-rays tube operating at 50 kV and 750 µA and Silicon-Drift Detector (SDD) (SDD) (Borgese et al 2011(Borgese et al , 2012. Detection limits were 1 mg for K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Sr, Ba, Tl, Pb and Bi.…”

Neurofunctional dopaminergic impairment in elderly after lifetime exposure to manganese

“…More detailed information on the study areas were published previously (Lucchini et al, 2007, 2012). Environmental levels of Mn and other metals have been thoroughly characterized in the study regions, showing that levels of Mn are significantly higher in Valcamonica compared to the Garda Lake reference area for airborne particles (Borgese et al 2011, 2012), deposited outdoor dust (Zacco et al 2009), indoor house and attic dust (Pavilonis, submitted), soil (Borgese et al, 2013), and locally cultivated leafy vegetables (Ferri et al 2012). …”

“…Total PM10 particulate load on the filter was determined gravimetrically, as well as chemically. Particulate metal content was determined using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy, according to a methodology published elsewhere (Borgese et al, 2011, 2012). Each participant’s house was geo-referenced for spatial analysis and surface soil was analyzed for Mn and other elements with a portable X-Ray Fluorescence instrument, as previously described (Lucchini et al, 2012).…”