Determination of trace elements in airborne PM10 by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Airborne particulate matter, in particular fine fraction, is accompanied by many harmful trace elements. The method for determining heavy metals in suspended particulate matter (PM10) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was established. Atmospheric particulate matter was sampled from urban area in Baoding of North China. Sampling was performed for a period of 72 h between August 2011 and July 2012 using a sequential PM10 air monitor. Microwave-assisted acid digestion method was applied to the sample pretreatment. The concentration of several trace elements namely Mn, Ni, Mo, Cd, Cu, V and Co collected on nitrocellulose filters was analyzed in per sample by the proposed method in 1-year period. An assessment of air quality was performed. It is important to study the air quality in this area since significant releases of metal to the environment due to energy production could represent a threat to local communities.