Preliminary multielement analysis of size-separated airborne dust particles

Preliminary multielement analysis was made of size-separated airborne dust samples collected by an Andersen sampler, preparatory to studying in greater detail how the elemental composition varies depending on the particle size. A circular thin polyethylene film was placed tightly on each collecting plate of the Andersen sampler and on this film size-separated dust particles were collected. The dust samples thus prepared were subjected to instrumental neutron activation analysis. The following was found as the result of the analysis. The elements, such as Sc, Fe, Ce, Sm and Th, show the trend that their concentrations increase with particle size. Most of these elements appear to be from the terrestrial origins. Contrary to this, the elements, such as Zn, As, Se, Br and Sb, show the reversed trend. They are mainly from industrial origins. On the other hand, the concentrations of Na, Cr, Co and Cs show no apparent dependency on the particle size. (auth.)