Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosols by Atomic Emission Spectrometry with Electrical Discharge Sampling

A procedure has been developed for the determination of the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd) in atmospheric air by atomic emission spectrometry with gas-discharge sampling onto the end of a standard carbon electrode. A design of a two-section sampler is proposed; the sampler provides the rapid determination of deposition factors for heavy metals contained in aerosol particles deposited onto the end of a carbon electrode. Examples of determining metal concentrations in a model sample of air and in atmospheric air and determination limits of metals deposited onto the end of a carbon electrode are given.