Abstract
To complement previous studies on elemental concentrations in the atmospheric aerosol, the present study of the temporal variations of certain elements in the atmosphere was initiated. This study considers the design and implementation of an integrated aerosol sampling and analysis system capable of providing quantitative measurements on the temporal variation of a number of elements on a routine basis with a time resolution of as low as two hours. After an introductory discussion of the structure of the atmospheric aerosol, consideration is given to the design and operation of a sampler capable of taking continuous time-resolved aerosol samples with known temporal resolution. The subsequent analysis of these samples is carried out using the technique of proton-induced X-ray emission analysis, using a nominal 20 nA proton beam of 2 MeV from the University Van de Graaff accelerator. The paramenters of the analysis system are investigated fully in order to optimise the sensitivity of the system for the routine analysis of a number of elements in the aerosol samples. The results obtained from the analysis of a number of samples are presented along with relevant available meteorological data. Detailed discussion and criticisms of the sampling and analysis programme is given in Chapter (6) along with conclusions based on the results obtained from the analysis of a number of samples. Some discussion is given over to the possible use of other charged-particle or X-ray based analytical techniques suitable for the routine analysis of time-resolved aerosol samples.