[Simultaneous detection of lower aliphatic amines and conventional cations in atmospheric PM_2.5 particulates by ion...

Many amine pollutants exist in the atmosphere. Lower aliphatic amines promote the formation and growth of particles into PM_2.5, which damages the heart, lungs, and kidneys of the human body. PM_2.5, a common atmospheric particulate pollutant with complex compositions, is the main cause of haze weather. Therefore, measuring the contents of lower aliphatic amines and cations in PM_2.5 is of great significance for monitoring environmental air quality and protecting human health. This study established a suppressed ion-chromatographic method with conductivity for the simultaneous detection of four lower aliphatic amines (methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, and ethylamine) and five cations (Na⁺, N[Formula: see text], and Ca²⁺ showed high concentrations. The contents of the four lower aliphatic amines were low; however, the ethylamine content in some samples was high. The results indicate that the proposed method meets the quantification requirements for cations and lower aliphatic amines in PM_2.5, with simple processing, high sensitivity, and good accuracy. It can quickly and accurately detect a large number of samples and be used to assess the pollution of small particles in the air as well as trace pollution sources to protect human health.