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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

In Situ Detection and Single Cell Quantification of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nuclear Microprobe Analysis
Published on: February 3, 2018
Analysis of elemental composition of atmospheric aerosols in Bratislava using the PIXE method with an external ion
Karol Sučák1, Miroslav Ješkovský1, Boris Bobáľ1
1Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Air pollution, which usually occurs in the form of aerosols, decreases the quality of life around the world. Aerosols come in different sizes, but a fine aerosol fraction is the main cause of many health problems, especially if aerosols contain toxic metals. Altogether 26 aerosol samples, collected over a one-year period (April 2023-April 2024) at the Comenius University campus in Bratislava, were analysed for elemental concentrations using the PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) method with an external ion beam, developed at the Centre for Nuclear and Accelerator Technologies (CENTA). Ten elements (Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn) were identified in the samples. Due to the inhomogeneity in the distribution of aerosols on the sampling filters several spots were irradiated to determine average concentrations. Sulphur was the element with the highest concentrations in most filters (the range of 0.05-2 μg/m3), while the highest level of concentrations for calcium was observed during the Saharan dust event in Bratislava (2.1 μg/m3). Variations in elemental concentrations observed over a year were associated with meteorological conditions, with maximum levels for some elements (mainly K, Ca, Mn, and Fe) occurring during autumn and winter, likely due to soil resuspension.
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