Japanese Source

Abstract

In this study we developed a new analytical method for the determination of sulfur (S) in size classified airborne particulate matter (APM) using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The total S concentration was determined by the sum of S in the water-extracted soluble fraction, and the acid digested insoluble residue. A precise analytical result of the S concentration in the APM standard reference material (NIST SRM-1648) could be achieved using this method. We adapted this method to size classified APM samples collected in Tokyo. S concentrations and its solubilities were increased along with decreasing the size of APM. From an analysis of ion chromatography (IC), it became clear that 99% of S in APM with diameter<2 μm was water soluble, and the chemical form was ammonium sulfate {(NH4)2SO4}. © 2009 The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry.