Method IO-3.3

Determination of Metals in Ambient Particulate Matter Using X-ray Flourescence (XRF) Spectroscopy


This method is applicable to the analysis of a broad range of suspended particulate matter (SPM) for metals using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The XRF method provides analytical procedures for determining concentrations in ng/m³ for 44 elements that may be captured on typical filter materials used in fine particle or dichotomous sampling devices.

A 37 or 47mm Teflon® or Nuclepore® filter is used for sample collection.  A thin membrane filter is required opposed to a quartz or glass fiber filter because they have low background levels and the penetration of particles into the matrix is minimal. 

Samples are collected using a dichotomous sampler following the procedures in Compendium Method IO-2.2.  A dichotomous sampler is able to separate fine and coarse particles.  Fine particles are defined those with aerodynamic diameters from 0-2.5um.  Coarse particles are defined as those with aerodynamic diameters of 2.5-10.0um.  The collection method specifies a low-flow collection rate of 16.7L/min. 

Once the sample is collected, it is returned to the laboratory for analysis in the filter holder in an envelope and protected from being bent or torn.  The sample is then analyzed using XRF.


(EPA 625/R-96/010A)

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Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   None specified in method.
Preservatives:   None specified in method.
Required Preps:   37 or 47mm Teflon filter
Collection Method:   Dichotomous sampler following Compendium Method IO-2.2 procedures.
Analytical Methodology:   Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF)spectrometry
Documentation:   IO-3.3

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
Tellurium
Te
13494-80-9
7.91
 ng/m3
Aluminum
Al
7429-90-5
5.29
 ng/m3
Iron
Fe
7439-89-6
0.21
 ng/m3
Lanthanum
La
7439-91-0
2.12
 ng/m3
Lead
Pb
7439-92-1
0.45
 ng/m3
Magnesium
Mg
7439-95-4
0.96
 ng/m3
Manganese
Mn
7439-96-5
0.24
 ng/m3
Molybdenum
Mo
7439-98-7
0.48
 ng/m3
Nickel
Ni
7440-02-0
0.18
 ng/m3
Palladium
Pd
7440-05-3
6.89
 ng/m3
Potassium
K
7440-09-7
1.89
 ng/m3
Rhodium
Rh
7440-16-6
7.79
 ng/m3
Rubidium
Rb
7440-17-7
0.21
 ng/m3
Scandium
Sc
7440-20-2
0.45
 ng/m3
Silicon
Si
7440-21-3
2.41
 ng/m3
Silver
Ag
7440-22-4
6.02
 ng/m3
Sodium
Na
7440-23-5
1.59
 ng/m3
Strontium
Sr
7440-24-6
0.33
 ng/m3
Tin
Sn
7440-31-5
9.18
 ng/m3
Titanium
Ti
7440-32-6
5.08
 ng/m3
Tungsten
W
7440-33-7
10.23
 ng/m3
Antimony
Sb
7440-36-0
9.45
 ng/m3
Arsenic
As
7440-38-2
0.24
 ng/m3
Barium
Ba
7440-39-3
15.59
 ng/m3
Cadmium
Cd
7440-43-9
6.62
 ng/m3
Cesium
Cs
7440-46-2
14.62
 ng/m3
Chromium
Cr
7440-47-3
0.9
 ng/m3
Cobalt
Co
7440-48-4
0.12
 ng/m3
Copper
Cu
7440-50-8
0.21
 ng/m3
Gallium
Ga
7440-55-3
0.48
 ng/m3
Germanium
Ge
7440-56-4
0.33
 ng/m3
Gold
Au
7440-57-5
0.51
 ng/m3
Vanadium
V
7440-62-2
1.59
 ng/m3
Yttrium
Y
7440-65-5
0.36
 ng/m3
Zinc
Zn
7440-66-6
0.3
 ng/m3
Zirconium
Zr
7440-67-7
0.36
 ng/m3
Calcium
Ca
7440-70-2
2.71
 ng/m3
Iodine
I2
7553-56-2
10.68
 ng/m3
Sulfur
S
7704-34-9
0.78
 ng/m3
Phosphorus
P
7723-14-0
0.78
 ng/m3
Bromine
Br2
7726-95-6
0.18
 ng/m3
Selenium
Se
7782-49-2
0.21
 ng/m3
Chlorine
Cl2
7782-50-5
1.44
 ng/m3

* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.