Work place air particulate monitoring of automobile workshops for public health and safety

Twenty-eight pairs of coarse and fine air particulate samples were collected in front of an automotive workshop located at Tasmasipabad on Chaklala Road in Rawalpindi using a Gent sampler and polycarbonate filters. These samples were collected during the period; 7th to 27th of April 2009. The gravimetric data (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) were obtained for these samples and were found to exceed the Pakistani standards. Black carbon (BC) was also determined using reflectance measurements and it was found that BC contributed significantly more to the fine mass than to the coarse fraction; i.e. ~10 to ~3 %, respectively. This is not surprising as soot is emitted by combustion processes and is usually found in the fine particulate mass. Using instrumental neutron activation analysis technique all 28 pairs of filters were analyzed for >30 elements. Major elements, in the coarse mass fraction, include Al, K, Fe, Sr, Na, and Zn implying soil as the major source while BC was found to be a higher contributor of PM_2.5. An episode of high PM_2.5 was observed on the 18th of April 2009. Back trajectory analysis showed that the air mass originated from the Middle East where a dust storm was in progress over Iraq.     

Ion chromatographic and spectrometric determination of water-soluble compounds in airborne particulates, and their correlations in an industrial area in Attica, Greece

In the time period from June 2005 to May 2006 in 42 sampling campaigns 84 filter samples of airborne particulate matter, coarse (PM_10–2.5) and fine (PM_2.5), were collected using a Gent stacked filter unit in the coastal industrial area of Aspropyrgos in Attica, Greece. The average PM₁₀ (PM_10–2.5 + PM_2.5) concentration was found to be 66 μg · m⁻³, exceeding more than 1.6 times the annual limit of 40 μg · m⁻³. The samples were analysed for Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and NH₄ ⁺ using ion chromatography. The data were compared with results obtained with other spectrometric methods, such as inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and reflectometry. The determined average ionic content comprised about 44% of the PM₁₀ mass. The ionic composition, as well as the possible matrix compounds in both fractions were evaluated by dividing the sampling period into summer and winter season. In the PM_10–2.5/PM_2.5 fraction in summer time the concentrations of Ca²⁺, Mg₂₊ and NO₃ ⁻ were enriched in the coarse fraction. In winter time all species were enriched in the coarse fraction, especially Ca²⁺, Cl⁻ and NO₃ ⁻. NH₄ ⁺ was constantly higher in the fine fraction in summer as well as in winter time. Factor analysis was applied to obtain correlations between cations and anions leading to matrix compounds in both fractions. From the evaluation of the results obtained, some of the local air pollution sources could be identified. Correspondence: Klaus-Michael Ochsenkühn, Laboratory for Trace Element Studies, Institute of Physical Chemistry, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi 15310, Athens, Greece     

Use of INAA and PIXE for multipollutant air quality assessment and management

The objective of this paper was to assess the air pollution and the main sources of Air Particulate Matter in the Setúbal urban/industrial area, Portugal. PM_2.5 and PM_2.5?C10 were sampled in Nuclepore filters and lichens transplants were exposed during 9?months. The levels of elements in these two matrixes were measured by INAA and PIXE. A large data base was created and source apportionment was performed by using Principal Component Analysis. The results showed that the main sources of fine particles were anthropogenic and were related with traffic and local industry. There was an important contribution of natural sources, mainly for the coarse fraction, associated with the sea and the soil. Lichens characterization and mapping showed that different site-specific characteristics controlled the spatial distribution of different elements. This study showed that biomonitoring is an effective complementary method to traditional sampling systems.     

Pollution characteristics of atmospheric fine particles and their secondary components in the atmosphere of Shenzhen in summer and in winter

Two field measurements for atmospheric fine particles were conducted in Baoan district of Shenzhen during the summer and winter in 2004. Totally 30 sets of 24 h samples were collected, and then the mass concentrations and chemical compositions were determined. The seasonal varia- tions and secondary pollution characteristics of fine particles during the sampling periods were dis-cussed with meteorological factors. The results show that seasonal variations of atmospheric particles are significant in Shenzhen. The average mass concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in summer were 35 μg·m-3 and 57 μg·m-3, respectively, and those in winter were 99 μg·m-3 and 135 μg·m-3, respec-tively. The concentrations of both PM2.5 and PM10 in winter increased 184% and 137%, respectively, compared to those in summer. PM2.5 accounted for 61% and 75% of PM10 in summer and in winter, respectively, indicating severe fine particle pollution in Shenzhen. During the summer and winter sampling periods, the mean OC/EC ratios were 3.4 and 1.6, respectively. The estimated secondary organic carbon (SOC) averagely accounted for 56% and 6% of the total OC in summer and in winter, respectively, which implies a major contribution of SOC to OC in summer. During the continuous high temperature period in summer, both the concentrations and fractions of secondary aerosol compo-nents in PM2.5 were highly elevated, suggesting severe secondary pollution again. The prevailing wind was from South China Sea in summer, and the air quality was good. The prevailing wind in winter was from Mainland China to the north, and the polluted air mass led to poor air quality.     

Portable,Ambient PM2.5 Sensor for Human and/or Animal Exposure Studies

A field-portable device for logging PM_2.5 mass concentration data has been developed. The device combines the Arduino microprocessor with an SD card, a Sharp DN7C3CA006 optical dust monitor, and 10,000-mAh battery. The dust sensor uses a virtual impactor to size select particles <2.5 microns prior to illuminating the selected fraction with an LED. The LED is triggered by a circuit controlled with the Arduino. Nephelometric detection at 120° referenced to incidence is used. The voltage signal reported by the dust sensor is converted to PM_2.5 mass through calibration onboard the Arduino. Data points can be saved to the SD card as rapidly as 0.3?s, although averaging signals over 60?s produced more optimal detection limits. For a 60?s average, the PM_2.5 mass limit of detection was 9?µg?m^?3, indicating that the sensor will be useful for monitoring human exposure to fine particles. Portable exposure monitoring has been demonstrated with the sensing platform as several individuals carried the device with them during daily activities in Lubbock, TX and Atlanta, GA. For this group of test subjects, values of PM_2.5 exposure varied from 0 to 1000?µg?m^?3 during the sampling periods. It was observed that, by far, the highest levels of PM_2.5 occur during periods of cooking, or being near cooking operations. Other periods of high PM_2.5 occurred during ground transportation, use of personal care products, vacuuming, and visiting restrooms. When hourly personal exposure data were correlated with hourly average PM_2.5 for outdoor air for the Atlanta data set, a very weak correlation was found (R²?=?0.026). Only two out of eight sampling periods did the personal monitoring estimate of exposure agree with that predicted by outdoor monitoring to within 15%. Personal exposure was often affected by circumstantial, short-term, high exposure events that are difficult to model or predict effectively. The short-term exposure events generally cause true exposure to be higher than that predicted by using outdoor ambient PM_2.5 to generate estimates. This finding complicates interpretation of epidemiological studies that find links between ambient outdoor PM_2.5 levels and human health, while it buttresses the case for using personal ambient monitors.     

Neutron activation analysis for identification of African mineral dust transport

A Gent stacked filter unit sampler was used to collect air particulate matter (APM) in separate coarse (PM_2.5–10) and fine (PM_2.5) size fractions, at a sub-urban site in Lisbon, Portugal. The sampling was done during the year 2001 and two daily samples were taken per week. The filters were analyzed for particulate mass by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The chemical analysis of APM levels and the study of the atmospheric dynamics by back-trajectories showed that most of the PM_2.5 and PM_2.5–10 peaks events were associated with air masses transport from the Saharan desert. High mineral load in ambient particulate matter levels were registered during the Saharan dust outbreaks. The accuracy of INAA to measure Fe, Sc and Sm was evaluated by NIST filter standards, revealing results with an agreement of ± 10%. This method constituted an important tool to identify these events.     

Chemical characterization of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF)

Summary This paper presents the first measurement of the elemental composition of the suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere of Londrina city (Paraná State, Brazil). The sampling was accomplished in the summer of 2003 and in the winter of 2002, with a stacker filter holder, collecting simultaneously the fine particulates (PM_2.5) and the coarse particulates (PM₁₀). The concentration of K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br and Pb associated with particulate matter was determined by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The results of the grouping analysis suggested that the elements in the aerosol particles came from two sources: soil re-suspension and industrial or anthropogenic activities.     

Extraction of arsenic species from airborne particulate filters—Application to an industrial area of Greece

In the present study, the extraction of the arsenic species arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), monomethyarsonic (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) from airborne particulate filters was investigated and optimized. For this purpose, total suspended particulate matter as well as size fractionated aerosol samples were collected from the industrial area of Aspropyrgos, Greece, in glass fibre and polycarbonated filters, respectively. Among H₃PO₄ and HCl, tested in various concentrations, concentrated HCl was found to be the most effective extractant for arsenic from both polycarbonated and glass fibre filters, without provoking any arsenic species transformation. However, the quantitative extraction of arsenic species from glass fibre filters required the subsequent washing of the filters with ultrapure water after their leaching with concentrated HCl. The developed procedure was applied to airborne particulate filters for arsenic speciation in Aspropyrgos' atmosphere. The results showed an enrichment of As in the fine (PM_2.5) compared with the coarse (PM_10–2.5) fraction of airborne particulates, while As(V) was found to be the predominant arsenic species in all samples. Finally, As concentration in the PM₁₀ fraction, for the investigated area and time period from December 2004 to June 2006, was below the target value of 6 ng As m^− 3, referred in the Directive 2004/107 of European Union.     

Recent trends of plutonium fallout observed in Japan: Comparison with natural lithogenic radionuclides, thorium isotopes

PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ samples were simultaneously collected monthly at a downtown site in Beijing from May 2002 to April 2003 and analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) combined with organic solvent extraction method for the concentrations and distributions of extractable organohalogens (EOX), including extractable organochlorinated (EOCl), organobrominated (EOBr) and organoiodinated compounds (EOI). The concentrations of EOCl, EOBr and EOI were 10.5–79.2 ng/m³, ND-8.2 ng/m³ and 1.6–8.2 ng/m³ in PM_2.5, respectively, and 37.0–73.3 ng/m³, 1.6–12.8 ng/m³ and 1.6–8.5 ng/m³ in PM₁₀, respectively, which were increasing in the order of EOCl≫EOBr∼EOI. EOCl accounted for 73–88% and 69–91% of EOX in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, respectively, which showed that EOCl was the major component of the organohalogens. There was a significant difference of EOCl concentrations in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in different seasons, which suggested that the concentrations of EOCl in the atmosphere were significantly affected by the meteorologic conditions and anthropogenic activities.     

Study of the chemical composition of particulate matter from the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region,Brazil, by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and optical emission spectrometry

Air quality in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro was evaluated by analysis of particulate matter (PM) in industrial (Santa Cruz) and rural (Seropédica) areas. Total suspended particles (TSP) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) collected in filters over 24 h were quantified and their chemical composition determined. TSP exceeded Brazilian guidelines (80 μg m^− 3) in Santa Cruz, while PM_2.5 levels exceeded the World Health Organization guidelines (10 μg m^− 3) in both locations. Filters were extracted with water and/or HNO₃, and the concentrations of 20 elements, mostly metals, were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Water soluble inorganic anions were determined by ion chromatography (IC). To estimate the proportion of these elements extracted, a certified reference material (NIST SRM 1648a, Urban Dust) was subjected to the same extraction process. Concordant results were obtained by ICP-MS and ICP OES for most elements. Some elements could not be quantified by both techniques; the most appropriate technique was chosen in each case. The urban dust was also analyzed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) method, which employs a combination of hydrochloric and nitric acids for the extraction, but higher extraction efficiency was obtained when only nitric acid was employed. The US EPA method gave better results only for Sb. In the PM samples, the elements found in the highest average concentrations by ICP were Zn and Al (3–6 μg m^− 3). The anions found in the highest average concentrations were SO₄^2 − in PM_2.5 (2–4 μg m^− 3) and Cl⁻ in TSP (2–6 μg m^− 3). Principal component analysis (PCA) in combination with enrichment factors (EF) indicated industrial sources in PM_2.5. Analysis of TSP suggested both anthropogenic and natural sources. In conclusion, this work contributes data on air quality, as well as a method for the analysis of PM samples by ICP-MS.     

Assessment of the sources of the inorganic fraction of aerosol in a conurbation

Two intensive sampling campaigns for coarse (PM_2.5–10) and fine (PM_2.5) particulate matter were carried out in August 2003 and March 2004 in the multi-impacted centre of the Athens (Greece) conurbation. Receptor modelling by means of Positive Matrix Factorization was utilised in order to provide an insight to the poorly characterised sources of the chemically analysed inorganic fraction of the sampled aerosol mass. Using elemental concentrations, seven factors have been resolved for both fractions for August 2003. Combining elemental and ionic concentrations, nine factors were resolved in the coarse particulate matter and eight in the fine particulate matter for March 2004. The greatest contributors of primary origin are (re)suspended dust/soil and sea salt. Secondary aerosol contributions were resolved in the form of secondary sulphate, secondary nitrate as well as an aged sea salt factor which was characterised by the replacement of chloride with sulphate and, secondarily, nitrate. Furthermore, throughout sites and fractions, primary anthropogenic emissions were identified in a series of factors, including a Pb-rich profile, representing non-catalytic exhaust emissions, a Cu-Mo-Sb-rich profile representing brake emissions, a Zn-Ba-rich profile representing tyre-wear and heavy vehicle brakes, and, lastly, a V-Ni-rich factor representing industrial heavy oil-combustion. Local anthropogenic emissions predominated, outweighing long-range transport as it was suggested by the lack of direct relationship between changes in the wind speed and direction and species mass burdens, as well as factor contributions.     

Determination of chemical elements in airborne particulate matter collected at Lembang, Indonesia by particle induced X-ray emission

Monitoring the air quality in ambient air is an important step for assessing the air pollution level in one region and its impact to the human health. In this study, the determination of chemical elements concentrations in airborne particulate matter collected in suburban area of Lembang, Indonesia was carried out. Samples were collected using a Gent stacked filter unit sampler in two size fractions of <2.5 μm (fine) and 2.5–10 μm (coarse). Sampling was conducted twice a week for 24 h from January 2008 to June 2009 and 123 pairs of samples were collected. Black carbon was determined by reflectance and chemical elements analysis were performed using particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE). PIXE as one of ion beam analysis techniques is suitable for analyzing particulate matter for its multielemental analysis with good limits of detection. Results showed that none of daily concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exceeded the 24 h Indonesian NAAQS for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Chemical elements such as Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Hg and Pb were determined and the correlation between these elements was reported in order to understand the anthropogenic sources of particulate matter.     

杭州市冬季大气气溶胶PM2.5中二恶英和多氯联苯的污染特征

2014年1月在杭州市选择5个点位采集大气颗粒物PM_2.5样品,采用同位素稀释高分辨气相色谱/高分辨质谱测定PM_2.5中的二恶英（PCDD/Fs）和多氯联苯（PCBs）,对PM_2.5的污染状况以及PM_2.5中PCDD/Fs和PCBs的污染水平及分布特征进行了研究。PM_2.5的质量浓度范围为85~168 μg/m³,PM_2.5污染较重,但与2004年同期相比明显降低。PM_2.5中PCDD/Fs的毒性当量（TEQ）为0.277~0.488 pg I-TEQ/m³,明显高于2004年同期采集样品。颗粒物中PCDD/Fs以八氯代二苯并-对-二恶英（OCDD）为主,毒性当量主要贡献者为2,3,4,7,8-五氯代二苯并呋喃（2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF）。PM_2.5中PCBs的质量浓度范围为2.9~8.1 pg/m³,二恶英类多氯联苯（DL-PCBs）的毒性当量范围为2.6~6.1 fg WHO-TEQ/m³,污染较低。PCBs在颗粒物中分布以PCB-28为主,但对毒性当量贡献最大的为PCB-126。PCDD/Fs和PCBs的气-固分配特征表现为PCDD/Fs主要分布于颗粒物中,而PCBs主要分布于气相中。     

Local and non-local sources of airborne particulate pollution at Beijing

A new element tracer technique has firstly been established to estimate the contributions of mineral aerosols from both inside and outside Beijing. The ratio of Mg/Al in aerosol is a feasible element tracer to distinguish between the sources of inside and outside Beijing. Mineral aerosol, inorganic pollution aerosol mainly as sulfate and nitrate, and organic aerosol are the major components of airborne particulates in Beijing, of which mineral aerosol accounted for 32%–-67% of total suspended particles (TSP), 10% –70% of fine particles (PM2.5), and as high as 74% and 90% of TSP and PM_2.5, respectively, in dust storm. The sources from outside Beijing contributed 62% (38%–-86%) of the total mineral aerosols in TSP, 69% (52%–-90%) in PM₁₀, and 76% (59%–-93%) in PM_2.5 in spring, and 69% (52%–-83%), 79% (52%–-93%), and 45% (7% – 79%) in TSP, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5, respectively, in winter, while only ≈20% in summer and autumn. The sources from outside Beijing contributed as high as 97% during dust storm and were the dominant source of airborne particulates in Beijing. The contributions from outside Beijing in spring and winter are higher than those in summer, indicating clearly that it was related to the various meteorological factors.     

An ion chromatographic analysis of water-soluble,short-chain organic acids in ambient particulate matter

Recent studies have shown that the inclusion of water-soluble short-chain (WSSC) organic acids in source apportionment using positive matrix factorization (PMF) resulted in an improvement in the model's ability to resolve sources, and in understanding secondary particle formation. In the United States, numerous network samplers are operational. Quartz-fibre filters for thermal optical carbon analysis have been collected over a period of years as a part of these sampling campaigns on a routine basis. However, only a small portion of these filters are used for the carbon analysis. Thus, there is the potential to utilize these samples to enhance organic speciation for subsequent use in source apportionment. In this work, an ion-chromatographic method was developed to identify and quantify the WSSC organic acids present in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). Samples collected to measure the concentrations of particles (PM_2.5) in south-western (Stockton) and northern (Potsdam) New York, USA from November 2002 to June 2004 were used in this study. Acetic, formic, propionic, oxalic, and malonic acids were successfully identified. The identified species accounted for 5–15% of the organic matter mass and thus enhance the knowledge of atmospheric organic-matter constituents. Oxalic acid was the most abundant species at Potsdam and Stockton with median concentrations of 17.71?ng?m^?3 and 92?ng?m^?3, respectively. Acetic and formic acids were present in Potsdam at median concentrations of 12.54?ng?m^?3 and 14.48?ng?m^?3, while at Stockton they were present at 57.58?ng?m^?3 and 51.54?ng?m^?3, respectively. The median concentration values for all acids at Stockton were higher than Potsdam. These observations are consistent with a study conducted in a semi-urban location, Schenectady, New York. At both sites, propionic and malonic acids were found in much lower concentrations when compared with the other acids. The concentration time series of various acids and seasonal variations in individual acids are discussed. The co-variance of acetic and formic acids is also outlined.     

Uncertainty estimation of anions and cations measured by ion chromatography in fine urban ambient particles (PM2.5)

The present work presents a measurement uncertainty evaluation according to Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) of the concentration of the cations K⁺ and Li⁺ and anions NO₃⁻² and SO₄⁻² in fine airborne particulate matter, refers to particles less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM_2.5), as measured by ion chromatography (US-EPA 300 method). The GUM method is not typically used to report uncertainty. In general, the analytical results only report the measurement’s standard deviation under repetition as an uncertainty; thus, not all sources of uncertainty are considered. In this work, the major sources of uncertainty regarding the measurements were identified as contributions to linear least square regression lines, repeatability, precision, and trueness. The expanded uncertainty was approximately 20% for anions and cations. The largest contribution to uncertainty was found to be repeatability.     

离子色谱-电感耦合等离子体质谱联用测定大气颗粒物PM2.5和PM10中的六价铬

建立了大气颗粒物PM_2.5、PM₁₀中六价铬（Cr（Ⅵ））的离子色谱-电感耦合等离子体质谱（IC-ICP-MS）检测方法。采用碳酸氢钠（NaHCO₃）溶液超声提取大气颗粒物样品中的Cr（Ⅵ）,并使用含有0.22 g/L 乙二胺四乙酸二钠盐（Na₂EDTA）的75 mmol/L硝酸铵溶液（pH 7.0）淋洗液通过离子色谱柱（AG7,50 mm×4 mm）分离出样品中的Cr（Ⅵ）,电感耦合等离子体质谱测定。标准溶液中Cr（Ⅵ）的质量浓度在0.05~5 μg/L范围内呈良好的线性关系,相关系数达0.9999,标准溶液测定的精密度为1.0%~4.0%,标准样品测定的相对误差为3.3%;纤维素滤膜适用于Cr（Ⅵ）的采样,将纤维素滤膜碱化后,Cr（Ⅵ）的回收率从75%增加到102%;样品在20 mmol/L碳酸氢钠溶液中超声30 min后上机测试,提取完全且回收率稳定;当采样体积为20 m³,方法的检出限为0.0004 ng/m³;采集并测定了PM_2.5及PM₁₀实际样品,样品的加标回收率为91.6%~102%,精密度为1.7%~7.6%。该方法高效、稳定、灵敏,适用于大气颗粒物中六价铬的测定。     

凹凸棒黏土对燃煤PM2.5排放及团聚捕集特性影响

在固定床反应系统上考察凹凸棒黏土对燃煤可吸入颗粒物PM_2.5的排放及团聚捕集特性影响,分析凹凸棒黏土添加量以及添加凹凸棒黏土情况下燃烧气氛、燃烧温度和钙硫物质的量比等参数对燃煤PM_2.5的数量浓度、质量浓度以及团聚捕集率的影响规律。结果表明,煤燃烧过程中添加凹凸棒黏土可以显著降低PM_2.5排放浓度,凹凸棒黏土的添加量不宜超过3%(质量分数);空气气氛下燃烧产生的PM_2.5多于O₂/CO₂气氛;随着钙硫物质的量比的增大,PM₁的质量浓度减小,但PM_1~2.5的质量浓度增大,颗粒物的粒径有向更大粒径转移的趋势;燃烧温度的升高会促进PM_2.5各粒径范围颗粒物的生成,降低了凹凸棒黏土对PM_2.5团聚捕集率。     

INAA study for characterization of PM10 and PM2.5 in Beijing and influence of dust storm

Summary PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 samples were collected simultaneously in Beijing, China, and analyzed by INAA and ICP-MS. Seasonal variations of the concentrations of ambient particles and their elemental compositions were found. The main sources of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in spring were the crust, coal burning and vehicle exhaust, in which the former was significant. During a strong dust storm, the concentrations of the crustal elements in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 increased remarkably, but the concentrations of some anthropogenic elements decreased. The enrichment factors of these anthropogenic elements also decreased sharply during the dust storm, which indicated that they were mostly originated from local anthropogenic pollution and diluted by the huge amount of dust.     

Development and validation of a selective HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for the quantification of glyoxal and methylglyoxal in atmospheric aerosols (PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>)

This study concerns the development and validation of a complete method for the analysis of two highly reactive α-dicarbonyl compounds, glyoxal (Gly) and methylglyoxal (Mgly), in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). Method development included optimization of sample preparation procedures, e.g., filter extraction, concentration of extracts, derivatization and solid-phase extraction (SPE) of derivatives, as well as reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ion-trap mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-IT/MS/MS) measurement parameters. Selectivity of detection was enhanced using tandem mass spectrometric analysis in ESI positive ion mode via two multiple reaction monitoring channels, m/z 433 → m/z 250 and m/z 419 → m/z 236 for Mgly and Gly. Retention times were 9.5 and 12.5 min for Gly- and Mgly-bis-hydrazone derivatives. Calibration ranged from 0.5 to 50 ng/mL. Inter-batch precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, was <15%. The method was shown to be unaffected by the sample matrix and to have recoveries of 100% and 60% for Gly and Mgly, respectively. Improved instrumental detection limits of 0.51 and 0.62 ng/mL for Gly and Mgly were achieved using a SPE method for the purification of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatization reagent solutions. This permitted the method to be used for analysis of filter samples obtained during a field study at the Taunus Observatory (mount Kleiner Feldberg, Germany). PM_2.5 concentrations ranged from 0.81 to 1.18 ng/m³ for Gly and from 0.83 to 1.92 ng/m³ for Mgly. PM concentrations correlated to the concentration of NO with coefficients (R ²) of 0.67 (Gly) and 0.78 (Mgly).