Method for Preparation of a Candidate Reference Material of PM10 and PM2.5 Airborne Particulate Filters Loaded with Incineration Ash-Inter Comparison Results for Metal Concentrations

Abstract

Air pollution is an important issue that can have significant implications for human health. Consequently, air quality control is matter of great interest, and the ΕU has established strict legislation with respect to public health protection. A work package of the EMPIR project AEROMET focused on the investigation of traceable validated methods for chemical composition of airborne particulate matter (PM), including heavy metals. Incineration ash typically contains quantities of heavy and toxic metals in excess of the limits imposed for airborne PM, so it provides a candidate source for a Standard Reference Material (SRM). In this work, a method for loading incinerator ash (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 fractions) on quartz filters with a good reproducibility and homogeneity was developed. An intercomparison exercise involving three separate laboratories was conducted for the elemental analysis of the prepared candidate reference material. The filters were treated by acid digestion and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) according to the European standard EN 14902:2005. Eleven elements, including the regulated metals (As, Cd, Ni and Pb), were determined using different ICP-MS instruments and standardization methods. Data evaluation showed a good agreement between the results, with deviations below 10–15%. The development of a Standard Reference Material seems auspicious.