Design and validation of a passive deposition sampler

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Air Quality Monitoring
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Passive air sampling methods are crucial for monitoring particle emissions.
• Existing methods may have limitations in near-field applications.
• A need exists for versatile samplers adaptable to various environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and characterize a new passive particle deposition air sampler, the Einstein-Lioy Deposition Sampler (ELDS).
• To evaluate the performance of different ELDS configurations, including hooded and non-hooded versions, and an XRF-ready option.
• To assess the sampler's efficacy in collecting particle mass and specific contaminants under controlled and real-world conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development and construction of a wind tunnel for sampler performance testing.
• Use of a test dust with a known particle size distribution to evaluate sampler configurations.
• Conducting a field study to assess the sampler's performance in actual environmental conditions and for chemical analysis (Cr(6+)).

Main Results:

• The Einstein-Lioy Deposition Sampler (ELDS) demonstrated precision across its various configurations.
• Testing showed no statistically significant difference between hooded and non-hooded ELDS models regarding collected particle size distribution.
• The field study confirmed the sampler's ability to collect particle mass and enable the measurement of environmental contaminants like Cr(6+).

Conclusions:

• The ELDS is a versatile and precise passive air sampler suitable for near-field particle emission monitoring.
• Its various configurations, including hooded and non-hooded options, perform comparably and can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• The ELDS is effective for collecting samples for both mass determination and chemical analysis of airborne contaminants.