Microanalysis of atmospheric particles and fibres by electron energy loss spectroscopy, electron spectroscopic imaging and scanning proton microscopy

Sampling and single particle analysis for the chemical characterisation of fine atmospheric particulates: A review

To better understand the potential environmental and human health impacts of fine airborne particulate matter (APM), detailed physical and chemical characterisation is required. The only means to accurately distinguish between the multiple compositions in APM is by single particle analysis. A variety of methods and instruments are available, which range from filter-based sample collection for off-line laboratory analysis to on-line instruments that detect the airborne particles and generate size distribution and chemical data in real time. There are many reasons for sampling particulates in the ambient atmosphere and as a consequence, different measurement strategies and sampling devices are used depending on the scientific objectives and subsequent analytical techniques. This review is designed as a guide to some of the techniques available for the sampling and subsequent chemical analysis of individual inorganic particles.

Using scanning electron microscopy for statistical characterization of the diameter and shape of airborne particles at an urban location

Particles in the air are characterized not only by their effective diameters but by their shapes as well. In this study electron microscopy was used to provide detailed information about individual particles, including diameter and shape. Following image analysis, statistical methods were used to describe diameter and shape distribution. From using this technique for repeated measuring at a particular location an interesting finding was made: the diameter and shape factor distributions had a constant nature.