Comparison of speciation sampler and PC-BOSS fine particulate matter organic material results obtained in Lindon, Utah, during winter 2001-2002.
The Particle Concentrator-Brigham Young University Organic Sampling System (PC-BOSS) has been previously verified as being capable of measuring total fine particulate matter (PM2.5), including semi-volatile species. The present study was conducted to determine if the simple modification of a commercial speciation sampler with a charcoal denuder followed by a filter pack containing a quartz filter and a charcoal-impregnated glass (CIG) fiber filter would allow for the measurement of total PM2.5, including semi-volatile organic material. Data were collected using an R&P (Rupprecht and Pastasnik Co., Inc.) Partisol Model 2300 speciation sampler; an R&P Partisol speciation sampler modified with a BOSS denuder, followed by a filter pack with a quartz and a CIG filter; a Met One spiral aerosol speciation sampler (SASS); and the PC-BOSS from November 2001 to March 2002 at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science to Achieve Results (STAR) sampling site in Lindon, UT. Total PM2.5 mass, ammonium nitrate (both nonvolatile and semi-volatile), ammonium sulfate, organic carbon (both non-volatile and semi-volatile), and elemental carbon were determined on a 24-hr basis. Results obtained with the individual samplers were compared to determine the capability of the modified R&P speciation sampler for measuring total PM2.5, including semi-volatile components. Data obtained with the modified speciation sampler agreed with the PC-BOSS results. Data obtained with the two unmodified speciation samplers were low by an average of 26% because of the loss of semi-volatile organic material from the quartz filter during sample collection.
Carter
Cory
C
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
Eatough
Norman L
NL
Eatough
Delbert J
DJ
Olson
Neal
N
Long
Russell W
RW
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D002606:Charcoal; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D011791:Quartz; D012621:Seasons; D013431:Sulfates / Q000032:analysis; D014589:Utah; D014835:Volatilization
D000393:Air Pollutants; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D052638:Particulate Matter; D013431:Sulfates; D011791:Quartz; D002606:Charcoal; D002244:Carbon