PIGE analysis of light elements in aerosol samples

Proton induced λ-ray emission(PIGE) is sensitive for light element analysis and has been used for detection of low Z elements(such as Li,B,F,Na,Mg,Al,Si,etc.) in aerosol samples.It is commonly used as a complementary technique of proton induced X-ray emission(PIXE).The PIGE analysis of light elements in aerosol samples collected during a dust storm period in Shanghai was performed on the scanning proton microprobe(SPM) at Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics.The results showed that polycarbonate membrane is suitable for quantitative PIGE analysis of light elements,whereas Teflon and quartz filters contain rather high levels of F,Li,B,Na,Mg,Al and Si.The concentrations of F,Na,Mg,Al and Si in PM10 increased greatly during the dust storm period.This study demonstrated that PIGE is an effective method for analyzing light elements in aerosol and dust.