Microextraction and analysis of contaminants adsorbed on atmospheric fine particulate matter: A review

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is made up of suspended microscopic solid or liquid materials. It is derived from natural or anthropogenic sources. PM encompasses inhalable coarse particles, with aerodynamic diameters of between 2.5 µm and 10 µm, fine particles (<2.5 µm), and ultrafine (<0.1 µm) particles. In addition to being directly inhalable, causing harm, PM can also exert adverse effects on human wellbeing and the environment by its impact on precipitation and climate. Moreover, chemical contaminants may also be found adsorbed on PM, adding another dimension to the hazardous aspects of these materials. PM is normally collected on filters or impactors. PM-adsorbed contaminants need to be taken into solution before they can be extracted. This review focuses on a discussion of solvent-minimized sample preparation procedures, originally developed for aqueous samples, for the extraction and preconcentration of primarily organic contaminants from fine and coarse PM.