Abstract |
In the study, 35 participants each analyzed 10 slides of selected air particulates permanently mounted in a solid plasticizer. Slides 1 through 7 contained a single particulate, while slides 8 and 9 contained three each, and slide 10 contained 9 particulates. Of 770 possible correct identifications that could be made by the 35 participants analyzing the 10 slides, 247 correct identifications were made. Among the participants identifying these particulates, those using a polarizing microscope and a range of magnifications did better than those not doing so. Whereas most of the participants did reasonably well in estimating the size of the particulate on slide number 2, most did very poorly in estimating the percent by weight of each component on slides 8, 9, and 10. Although no text or standard method on identification of atmospheric particulates exists, the overall results of the study were very good. (Author) |