Mass spectrometric determination of the elemental composition of suspended particles of various sizes contained in atmospheric air

Methods for determining elements contained in suspended particles of different sizes in atmospheric air by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are proposed. Cascade impactors with sulfate cellulose filters with an average pore size of 15, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1 μm are recommended for the selection of aerosol particles (PM) with a size of >1 μm, as well as the quartz perfilters complete with nitrate cellulose filters with an average pore diameter of 0.2 μm with a paper base plate with coarse grain 500 g/m2 for the selection of particles with a size of <1 μm. The following requirements have been established for air sampling when monitoring maximum single concentrations: air flow values υd = 1.2 dm3/min, υf = 1.0 dm3/min, time of sampling tmin = 20 min for PM >1 μm, and υd = 2.0 dm3/min, υf = 1.8 dm3/min, tmin = 11 min for PM <1 μm. The effectiveness of the techniques in monitoring average daily concentrations has been proven. The developed analysis methods are used to determine the elemental composition of fractional dust of atmospheric air in the area of a metallurgical enterprise for the production of steel pipes. Based on the results of the research and metrological examination of materials for the development of measurement methods, their certification was carried out: the methods were included in the unified register of certified methods in the territory of the Russian Federation (MUK 4.1.4060-24 (FR.1.31.2023.45935); MUK 4.1.4159-25 (FR.1.31.2024.500365)). A new approach to the multiparametric analysis of atmospheric air is shown. A multiparametric analysis can be used to determine air pollution standards.

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