New tabletop SEM-EDS-based approach for cost-efficient monitoring of airborne particulate matter

Recent developments in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have produced tabletop instruments capable of reasonable imaging resolution at less cost compared to conventional equipment. Combining the SEM with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) allows the possibility of elemental analysis through detection of X-rays emitted from interaction between individual particles and the SEM electron beam, revealing their atomic composition. It’s well known that exposure to inhalable particulate matter (PM) poses health risks and routine monitoring of the chemical content of these has been realized. Exposure information is of a general character but by combining the chemical build-up of monitored particles and knowledge of their inherent health effects will allow better risk assessment. An analysis technique using a tabletop SEM with EDS is demonstrated on particles collected onto nucleopore filters from urban, industrial and rural areas. Detailed characterization of the instruments analysis capabilities as applied to PM are described.