Aerosol analysis by micro laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: A new protocol for particulate matter characterization in filters

Atmospheric aerosols (particulate matter - PM) affect the air quality and climate, even in remote areas, such as the Antarctic Region. Current techniques for continuous PM monitoring are usually complex, costly, time consuming and do not provide real-time measurements. In this work, based on micro laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), an innovative method with an optical design and multi-elemental scanning imaging, is presented to characterize PM collected in filters from Antarctica. After following a simple protocol and under atmospheric pressure, the new approach allows to obtain a global visualization of the elemental PM composition of the filters with a minimum sample destruction and preparation. For the first time, we were able to map the localization of pollutants in filters at high spatial resolution and speed. This recent method offers a new insight on the characterization of PM, particularly in isolated areas, where no complex equipment and real time measurements are demanded. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The article presents an innovative method based on micro laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for characterizing PM collected in Antarctica, which can quickly obtain a global visualization of elemental PM composition under atmospheric pressure. This method can map the localization of pollutants in filters at high spatial resolution and speed.