Characterization of Size Distribution and Water Solubility of 15 Elements in Atmospheric Aerosols

The elemental characteristics of atmospheric aerosols were investigated as a function of particle size and water solubility. The aerosol particles were samples at 12 individual size ranges between 0.01 and 30㎛. Collected aerosol particles were separated into both soluble and insoluble components. The concentrations of 15 elements in both components were determined by a PIXE analysis using a 2.0 MeV-proton beam. In general, the mass size distribution of particulate matter was represented as a bimodal distribution. The maximum rations of S in July and December were 5.5 and 3.8 %, and they appeared in the size range of 0.47∼1.17㎛(stage No. 6 or 7) . The ratios of a S at non-separated size were 3.1 and 2.2 % in July and December, respectively, On the other hand, the maximum rations of Si in July and December were 7.0 and 5.4% and they appeared in the size range of 5.1∼30㎛(stage No. 0∼2). The ratios of Si at the non-separated size were 2.1 and 1.8% in July and December, respectively, The mass diameter of 12 elements ranged between 0.59㎛ of S and 3.20 of Fe. More than 90% of atmospheric aerosols consisted of the light elements such as C, N, O, H and Al. The soluble component was dominant in the smaller size range and the insoluble component in the larger size range. Large portions of Si. Ti and Fe existed in insoluble state. By contrast, S, Cl, Ca, Zn and Br were dissolved in water.