A Real-Time Monitor for Airborne Metal-Laden Particulate

We propose an in-situ real-time method whereby metal-laden aerosols can be processed to give a steady state concentration of metal atoms suitable for detection via atomic absorption spectrometry. Our method eliminates the need for extraction and concentration procedures and it employs inexpensive and proven technology. Unlike techniques in which atomic emission is monitored, our approach is insensitive to interferences from other metals. Our method is thus appropriate for instrumentation monitoring airborne metals particularly during site remediation where particulate bearing metals can be raised. The resulting instrumentation will be capable of operating continuously for long periods of time. The particle processing procedure is efficient and can be operated with battery power, thus providing a system that can be portable and field operable. In this Phase I effort, we will establish the feasibility of the proposed approach with calibrated dry aerosols containing lead. Detection limits will be deduced and a benchtop apparatus will be calibrated. We will also employ the key technology behind the method to build a new atomic emission line source. The developmental issues identified in this effort will allow the building and demonstration of a field-worthy prototype in Phase II.