Search

Electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) of single particles and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) were applied to determine the chemical composition, size and probable origin of the suspended particulate matter. The aim of the performed research was to determine the chemical composition, size and abundance of aerosol particles responsible for blackening and soiling of the works of art displayed within the Cathedral of Weert in the Netherlands and to verify the possible sources responsible for these processes.

Over a period of eight months, a total of 26 atmospheric particulate matter samples were collected at the location of Tahiti and in other areas of French Polynesia, using a specially equipped sailboat. A 6-stage cascade impact or was used to separate aerosols in the following size classes: > 4,2-4, 1-2,0.5-1,0.25-0.5 and < 0.25 µm equivalent aerodynamic diameter. The resulting set of 156 size segregated aerosol samples was analyzed by particle-induced X-ray emission for 16 elements. This study deals with the concentrations of Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr and Pb. Enrichment factor calculations reveal that Na, Mg, S, A, K, Ca and Sr were little fractionated with respect to bulk sea water, whereas Al, Si, Ti, Mn and Fe presented no enrichment relative to the earth's crust. The anomalously enriched elements were Cu, Zn, Br and Pb. The multivariate technique factor analysis was used to identify the various aerosol sources. Dry and wet deposition modeling enabled us to estimate the atmospheric dry and wet transfer to the sea. Dry deposition velocities ranged from 0.04 to 0.2 cm S-1, while the scavenging rates were of the order of 2-3 x10-6 S-1. The resulting deposition rates are within the range given in the literature, with a good agreement for the deposition of Mn, Cu and Zn. It was found that dry deposition dominates over wet deposition for the sea derived elements, while for the crustal elements, the situation was the opposite. The estimated annual atmospheric deposition of Cu is equal to that of other geochemical cycles such as marine sedimentation and vertical mixing, whereas the deposition rates of mineral aerosol and Pb are much higher than those reported previously, indicating direct influence of local emissions from Tahiti.

The atmospheric input of up to 16 trace and other elements into the North Sea is further assessed from aerosol concentrations measured at a coastal station in Belgium, on ships during two cruises, and on a platform, in the years 1992-1994. The Slinn and Slinn model is used to calculate the dry deposition from the measured aerosol concentrations. The total (dry and wet) deposition into the North Sea environment is estimated to be (in tonnes per year): 560 for V, 1300 for Cr, 650 for Ni, 690 for Cu, 3500 for Zn and 1970 for Pb. The 'giant' particles dominate the fluxes. The atmospheric contribution to the total input into the North Sea, including riverine inputs and direct discharges, are estimated to be 28% for Cu, 29% for Zn and 57% for Pb. The inputs estimated from the experimental data are compared with results from a model applied for the same area and period. The experimental and the model results agree within 56%, which is considered as 'satisfactory' in view of both the experimental and the model uncertainties.

Aerosol particle size distributions were measured during the MAPTIP (Marine Aerosol Properties and Thermal Imager Performance Trial) experiment at Hr.Ms. Tydeman. Extinction coefficients were calculated using a Mie routine. The analysis shows that the TNO local MPN aerosol model accurately predicts the aerosol extinction for data in its range of validity. The applicability of the MPN model decreases outside its limits for geographical region and environmental parameters. The model is compared to the Navy Aerosol Model. The chemical composition of the aerosol during MAPTIP is discussed in terms of geography and environmental parameters.

The North Sea is being under loaded in many ways, both by organic and anorganic pollutants. Transport over rivers is the most evident way. Direct emission along the coastline and dumping of toxic materials by vessels are another two causes of pollution. Exploitation of oil and gas platforms also lead to operational emission of certain noxious substances. “Last but not least” a part of the pollutants also reach the North Sea through the atmosphere.This article specifically concerns the latter facet of North Sea Pollution. Both gaseous and particular material is being emitted in the atmosphere through incineration and other polluting processes. After physical dispersion and chemical transformation, these pollutants can end up in the sea through deposit processes. Heavy metals are usually found in the particular phase. In dry weather conditions these particles are removed from the atmosphere through gravitation, turbulent diffusion and impaction; this is referred to as dry deposit. In wet weather conditions particles can get caught in raindrops or snowflakes and this way end up in sea: wet deposit.

X-Ray Spectrometry: Recent Technological Advances covers the latest developments and areas of research in the methodological and instrumental aspects of x-ray spectrometry. Includes the most advanced and high-tech aspects of the chemical analysis techniques based on x-rays Introduces new types of X-ray optics and X-ray detectors, covering history, principles, characteristics and future trends Written by internationally recognized scientists, all of whom are eminent specialists in each of the sub-fields Sections include: X-Ray Sources, X-Ray Optics, X-Ray Detectors, Special Configurations, New Computerization Methods, New Applications This valuable book will assist all analytical chemists and other users of x-ray spectrometry to fully exploit the capabilities of this set of powerful analytical tools and to further expand applications in such fields as material and environmental sciences, medicine, toxicology, forensics, archaeometry and many others.