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The need to generate objective evidence and reliable information for decision makers to improve environmental policies for a better air quality, led us to evaluate the atmospheric aerosol components in the urban area of Carabayllo, by monitoring PM2.5 and PM10 to determine mass concentration and analyzing PM10 using k0-INAA and ICP–MS for metals quantification, ion chromatography for anions and the NIOSH method to determine organic and elemental carbon. The results obtained from mass concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded the permissible breathing annual average of WHO guidelines of 15 µgm−3 and 45 µgm−3, respectively, which evidence an unhealthy air quality. Likewise, using the model Positive Matrix Factorization five sources of pollutants were defined: metallurgical industry, sea salt, industrial activity, dust and non-exhaust emissions and vehicle emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report studies the feasibility of using X-ray Fluorescence for the characterization of alpha sources in a short time and proposes a new Rule of Thumb for the sake of simplicity. An uranium deposit of 0.012 ± 0.001 mg cm−2 which XRF spectrum shows a low intensity U-L α peak at 13.61 keV, provides good resolution in alpha spectrometry. By this method, long data acquisition times in alpha spectrometry of poorly prepared sources are avoided without the need for expensive equipment. • XRF is a suitable technique for the characterization of alpha sources in a short time. • A Rule of Thumb allows rapid evaluation of alpha-particle sources. • Small laboratories will benefit from this method, as the analysis can be performed even with portable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]