Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis of a fractionated urban aerosol

Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and chemical analysis have been used to characterise a fractionated urban aerosol. Chemical analysis shows that the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of the total suspended particulate matter in the aerosol belongs uniquely to the sub-micron size fraction. X-ray fluorescence analysis confirms the absence of transitional metals Fe, Cu and Zn as well as crustal elements Al and Si in this sub-micron fraction.These findings effectively eliminate the possibility that these metals act as carriers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during their dispersion in the atmosphere or that they act as catalysts for promoting reaction between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other aerosol components.