MICRO-ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIVIDUAL ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICLES

Abstract

Although micro- and surface analysis techniques are nowadays routinely applied in various fields, they are seldom invoked in environmental research in spite of the importance of particles in the environment. An outline is given of the potential and relevant methodology of electron microprobe analysis, scanning proton microprobe analysis, secondary ion mass spectrometry and laser microprobe mass spectrometry. The use of these techniques for atmospheric and aqueous particles is illustrated with literature examples.