Pittsburgh rainwater analysis by PEE

Abstract

Concentrations of thirteen elements in rainwater from the Pittsburgh, Pa., area were analysed by Charged Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). They were compared to rainwater in a rural area and air particulates in Pittsburgh. Local and non-local contributions are discussed. Washout ratios were calculated and found t o be larger for smaller size particles, contrary to general belief. This work demonstrates the convenience of using PIXE.

Elemental analysis of soluble and insoluble fractions of rain and surface waters by particle-induced x-ray emission

“…Eight replicate samples of each solution were prepared by evaporating 5-(A), 20-(B), and 100-µ (C) droplets onto Mylar for PIXE analysis. 6 Averages of eight replicate samples. Percent standard deviations are given In parentheses.…”

“…Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) (1) has been used extensively for aerosols (2)(3)(4)(5) and to a lesser degree for a variety of other types of samples, such as rain (6). It is conveniently applied to the analysis of thin samples and offers the possibility of a higher absolute sensitivity (nanogram levels) than X-ray fluorescence.…”

Sulphur and Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban Snow: Multi-Elemental Analytical Techniques and Interpretations

“…Some rain studies have employed inter-elemental correlations using the powerful multi-elemental techniques of NAA and PIXE (Chan and others 1976, Merritt 1976, Tanaka and others 1981). However, an in-depth analysis of inter-elemental correlations and cluster analysis of urban snow was carried out by Landsberger and others (1983[a]).…”