Grantee Research Project Results
Development of a Semi-Continuous Monitor for Determination of Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Ambient Aerosol Particles
EPA Grant Number: R825269Title: Development of a Semi-Continuous Monitor for Determination of Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Ambient Aerosol Particles
Investigators: Ondov, John M. , Koutrakis, Petros
Current Investigators: Ondov, John M. , O'Haver, T. C. , Koutrakis, Petros
Institution: University of Maryland - College Park , Harvard University
Current Institution: University of Maryland - College Park
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: November 15, 1996 through November 14, 1999 (Extended to November 14, 2000)
Project Amount: $395,885
RFA: Air Quality (1996) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , Air
Description:
Recent advances in aerosol sampling technology combined with state-of-the-art, commercially-available analytical instrumentation promise to permit dramatic improvements in time scales for aerosol sampling and elemental analysis, making possible, for the first time, development of a semi-continuous, near-real-time monitor for atmospheric concentrations of toxic elemental constituents at current ambient levels. Herein, we propose to develop such an instrument using proven, state-of-the-art aerosol concentrator and multielement Atomic Absorption technologies with direct aerosol injection . Objectives of the proposed study will be to: 1) develop an aerosol concentrator system suitable for interface with a commercially-available, 8-channel simultaneous multielement graphite-furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, 2) characterize its particle transfer efficiency, 3) evaluate calibration procedures for multi-elemental analyses, 4) determine optimum sampling and analysis conditions for analyses of various sets of simultaneously-determined elements, and 5) field test the system in urban and rural environments. Expected results of this study will be the development of a semi-continuous monitor for near-real-time determinations of elemental constituents of atmospheric aerosol particles. Benefits of semi-continuous sampling and near-real-time elemental analyses of atmospheric aerosol particles will be enormous for virtually all studies seeking to determine the concentrations, sources, and dry depositional fate of toxic trace elements and heavy metals in suspended aerosol particles.Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 4 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 4 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
air, ambient air, atmosphere, tropospheric, exposure, particulates, metals, heavy metals, environmental chemistry, measurement methods, Maryland, MD, Region 3., RFA, Air, Scientific Discipline, Geographic Area, State, particulate matter, Environmental Chemistry, tropospheric ozone, Atmospheric Sciences, air toxics, aerosols, atomic absorption technology, calibration procedures, ecological assessment, environmental monitoring, aerosol production, atmospheric monitoring, monitoring, atmospheric aerosol particles, spectroscopic studies, metals, Maryland (MD), ambient aerosol particles, atmospheric chemical cyclesProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.