Applications of micro-analysis to individual environmental particles

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Single particle analysis is crucial for understanding environmental processes.
• Micro-analytical techniques offer high spatial resolution for characterizing environmental samples.
• Research at the University of Antwerp since 1990 has focused on these applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of recent applications of micro-analytical techniques in single particle environmental research.
• To highlight the evolution and implementation of various techniques over time.
• To showcase the University of Antwerp's contributions since 1990.

Main Methods:

• Automated electron probe X-ray micro-analysis (EPMA)
• Laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS)
• Micro-particle induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE)
• Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)
• Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS)
• Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIRM)
• Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)

Main Results:

• EPMA, LMMS, and micro-PIXE are established techniques for aerosol, aqueous suspension, and sediment characterization.
• STEM, EELS, FTIRM, and SIMS are recently implemented for advanced environmental research.
• These techniques enable detailed chemical and structural analysis of individual environmental particles.

Conclusions:

• Micro-analytical techniques are indispensable tools for modern single particle environmental research.
• The continuous development and application of these methods enhance our understanding of environmental systems.
• The University of Antwerp has a long-standing expertise in applying these advanced techniques.