DETERMINATION OF ANIONS AND CATIONS IN ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOLS BY SINGLE COLUMN ION CHROMATOGRAPHY

To optimize accuracy in the determination of ammonium, Cl, nitrate, K, Na and sulfate in airbone particulate matter, experimental conditions for the extraction were tested, possible sources for contamination were evaluated and the effect of sample storage was examined. With the chosen parameters the method exhibits good repeatability and is well suited for the routine analysis of particulate matter collected on filters. It was applied to the analysis of cellulsoe and glass-fiber filters exposed in the city of Zurich. The charge balance of the water-soluble fraction is given, and artifact formation of sulfate as well as loss of ammonia due to volatization was estimated for the 2 filter materials.