Total-reflection X-ray fluorescence — a tool to obtain information about different air masses and air pollution

摘要: Abstract Atmospheric aerosols are solid particles dissolved in air and change their chemical composition frequently depending on various parameters. In order to identify regional circulation atmospheric aerosol filter samples were taken at Loyola University Chicago's Lake Shore Campus during the months of July August 2000 with sampling times ranging between 1 2 h. The digested a microwave oven analyzed by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry. One diurnal variation comprising five consecutive events was selected discussed as well 4 days experiencing different meteorology compared exemplify trace elemental concentration according mass movements highlight capability analysis. It found that due changes meteorological conditions particularly wind direction speed, compositions varied rapidly could be used distinguish ‘Lake Michigan air’ ‘metropolitan Chicago such short-term time scale like one hour. Back trajectory analysis applied support corroborate results. outcome this study clearly shows is an optimal tool for aerosols.