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CORRELATIVE SURFACE ANALYSIS STUDIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICLES
Citation:
Farmer, M. AND R. Linton. CORRELATIVE SURFACE ANALYSIS STUDIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICLES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-84/351.
Description:
Various surface analysis techniques (scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) were evaluated in a correlative regimen for the chemical characterization of particulate pollutants. Analytical capabilities were demonstrated by using particles derived from steel blast furnaces. The ESCA studies of 'bottom ashes' suggest highly water-soluble species enriched in sulfates on particles consisting primarily of iron oxides. The unique combination of direct surface analysis and time-resolved solvent leaching experiments enables the relative importance of the two factors to be estimated for individual elements of environmental interest.