Analysis of Atmospheric Particulates for Trace Elements by Optical Emission Spectrometry

Abstract

One thousand composited particulate samples collected by the National Air Surveillance Network in 1970 on glass fiber filters were analyzed for 24 trace elements by spark-excited direct reading emission spectrometry. After acid extraction, the lithium chloride stabilized extracts were analyzed in duplicate using a rotrode with indium as an internal standard. Interference corrections and calibration data were frequently updated during analyses by special minicomputer programs. Iron, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, zinc, and manganese were found in unused filters. Precision data on samples had a median relative standard deviation of 14% for all elements. The median spike recovery was 97%, excluding tin with 11 to 28%. Analysis of different portions of the same filters gave average concentration differences with a median of 14%. Detection limits for all elements and lead analysis by both atomic absorption and optical emission are reported. Zinc and tin data were unacceptable due to poor precision or accuracy.

ICP/AES Analysis and the Composition of Airborne and Soil Materials in the Vicinity of A Lead/Zinc Smelter Complex

“…As a result blank corrections were not possible. This finding has also been the experience of previous workers 8 ' 9 and even with the exclusion of the HF, background levels of both Na (and Cl) were high and variable making it impossible to report results for these parameters.…”

Trace analysis by metastable energy transfer for atomic luminescence

“…The need for ultratrace metal analysis in biological and environmental systems is well established and reviews (39,40) of existing techniques indicate that they are at best satisfactory. The increased use of fossil fuels and organometallic combustion catalysts makes the development of a gas-phase ultratrace metal analyzer desirable for monitoring pollution levels.…”

Recent Advances In Air Pollution Analysis

“…Instrumental conditions and sensitivities for 24 elements are reported by Scott et al 291 Spectroscopic graphite electrodes may be used as filters for airborne particles, with subsequent direct analysis by emission spectrometry giving very high sensitivity. 292 Mass spectrometry, using a spark source, has been reported for the analysis of nanogram quantities of 28 elements in air particulates collected on a nitrocellulose filter pad.…”