DETERMINATION OF METALS IN ATMOSPHERIC PARTICULATES USING LOW-VOLUME SAMPLING AND FLAMELESS ATOMIC-ABSORPTION SPECTROMETRY

A complete description of the method for sampling particulates from ambient air (typically of volumes 20-300 liters) and the analytical procedure is given with reference to the following metals: Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn. Sampling was accomplished by using porous polymer filters (47 mm) of different pore sizes and the analysis of the collected particles was performed by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. Also, a discussion is presented for increasing the reproducibility and for reducing the background contribution of the blank. Results are reported from a typical industrial source and from a rural area.