Date of Award

1993

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Abstract

The characterization of airborne particulates requires the use of sensitive analytical techniques such as SIMS, AUGER, XPS, SEM/EDX, EMP, XRF, IOP-MS and XRD. These techniques supply information on trace element distributions of single or bulk particulates. In addition, we have found that the kinetics of the conversion of S(IV) to S(VI) in contact with particulate matter is useful to identify high levels of catalytic material, possibly of anthropogenic origins, present in the air mass. The reactivity of the airborne particulate matter can be combined with analytical methods to help in the identification of particulate sources. In addition, trace metal analysis is complicated by low metal concentrations and interfering matrices. Electrodeposition is used to concentrate metal ions onto an electrode surface and isolate them from any interferences prior to analysis by SIMS.

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