Abstract

CAMPOS TRUJILLO, Alfredo et al. Evaluation of the performance of the high volume method to measure particles smaller than 10 microns. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2015, vol.31, n.1, pp.79-88. ISSN 0188-4999.

Suspended particles (SP) are one of the problems of most concern about air pollution in urban areas, due to its adverse effects on health and environment. Epidemiological studies have shown that SP smaller than 10 microns (PM₁₀) are particularly dangerous. Regarding ambient air monitoring, the reference method for estimating human exposure to SP, is the high volume method (HV), which was established through a collaborative study, based on measurements of total suspended particles (TSP). The aim of this study was to determine the applicable quality indicators to HV measurement of SP less than 10 microns using PM₁₀ heads and cascade impactors (ImpC). Samples were taken with samplers operating simultaneously in the same place, following EPA reference method IO.2.1. Limits of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) for PM₁₀ measurements were 0.56 and 2.71 μg/m³ respectively, which also apply for ImpC stage 6 (E6). For ImpC stages E1 to E5, LoD was 0.54 μg/m³ and LoQ was 1.38 μg/m³. Repeatability of the method was 3.04 % for PM₁₀, and ranged from 1.7 % (E2) to 6.8 % (E3). Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between means of concentrations obtained simultaneously with different samplers (P > 0.05). According to these results, the method is suitable for PM₁₀ and smaller fractions (using cascade impactors) measurements and can give accurate results in a wide range of environmental conditions.

Keywords : particulate matter PM₁₀; cascade impactor; quality indicators.

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