Investigation of airborne nanoparticles: the focus on Analytical Chemistry

Abstract

The increasing demand for the development of methods to characterise airborne particulate matter (APM) has attracted the attention of researchers for assessing the presence and levels of atmospheric particles, as well as the health and environmental impacts, associated to a diversity of atmospheric pollutants. APM is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds and biological material. When these particles have a diameter ˂ 1 µm are defined as nanoparticles and it is known that they act as a vehicle for introducing a variety of toxic and potentially toxic pollutants into the human body through the respiratory system causing severe effects in human health. In this context, it is mandatory to distinguish among particles sizes and sources that originated the nanoparticles; such as engineered nanoparticles, diesel fumes, windblown dust, xxx. It is of prime importance understanding the role that different chemical components present in nanoparticles play in the source identification, transport, health impacts and radiative properties. In addition, to identify their potential environmental pollution and health risks, it is also necessary to investigate their chemical and physical properties and characteristicsThe determination nanoparticles in aerosols is a challenging task for analytical chemists. For obtaining reliable results it is relevant the expertise for selecting adequate air sampling methodologies as well as sensitive and selective analytical technique that allow the determination of a variety of elements and compounds in airborne particulate matter nanoparticles.This chapter is aimed to provide an overview of specific air monitoring devices used to collect nanomaterials suspended in ambient, instrumentation for counting and size classifying nanoparticles in real time as well as the main analytical techniques employed for the determination of inorganic components present in nanoparticles of atmospheric aerosols.