Direct analysis of particulate matter (PM10) for the determination of Be, Cd and Pb using high resolution-continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry: Assessment of the potential correlation between analyte content and meteorological parameters

Abstract Atmospheric particulate matter (APM) monitoring is a fundamental tool for air pollution management and control. However, the limited amount of an APM sample that is typically available upon collection using specific devices may be a limiting factor to promote reliable chemical analysis. Direct solid analysis is thus a cost-effective alternative to be applied for this purpose, since it simplifies the handling of samples, combining faster analysis to maximum detectability with minimum sample consumption. This study presents the development of methods for the determination of beryllium, cadmium and lead in inhalable particulate matter (PM10) using direct solid analysis and high-resolution continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The temperature program and the use of chemical modifiers were optimized for each individual analyte. Zirconium was used as a permanent modifier for the determination of Be, whereas Pd and Mg were co-injected as chemical modifiers for the determination of Cd and Pb. The potential interferences and calibration strategies were also evaluated. Under optimized conditions, calibration against aqueous standards was proven feasible and detection limits of 0.001, 0.001 and 0.004 ng m−3 for Be, Cd and Pb, respectively, were achieved. The methods were applied to the determination of the referred analytes in 28 samples of PM10 collected at an urban site in the city of Florianopolis, in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Chemometric treatment of data considering analyte content in addition to meteorological parameters (accumulated rainfall, sunlight incidence and wind speed) showed a detectable correlation between these parameters. Samples could be statistically differentiated based on separate loadings for Cd and Pb, which was opposite to Be, for instance. Hence, there is the possibility to correlate these parameters in order to establish a relationship between the origin of the elements in the PM10 samples and the impact of meteorological conditions on their distribution in solid atmospheric particles.