Automatic Time Sequence Filter Sampling of Aerosols for Rapid Multi-Element Analysis by Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission

An automatic time sequence filter sampler has been developed for atmospheric aerosol particle sampling of ambient air and subsequent analysis for elemental composition using the proton beam of a Van de Graaff accelerator. Some features of the operation of the sampler are given, the retention of particles by the filter material are discussed, examples of the type of data obtained are presented, and some approaches to the numerical analysis of data for environmental interpretation are considered. Lines for further development and improvement in this type of sampler are indicated.