Analysis of rain-deposited dust on polysulfone membranes using proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy

Abstract

Proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy (PIXE) is a long-established method of nondestructive elemental analysis for environmental samples. While a standard method of recovery of solids from rainwater involves filtration onto polysulfone media, PIXE analysis has not typically been used on such substrates. We describe methodologies of the University of North Texas Ion Beam Laboratory for PIXE analysis of dust in Texas rainwater on polysulfone membranes from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). PIXE analyses utilized a 2 MeV proton beam of 1 × 1 mm2 spot size with beam currents of 1–5nA. A 100 µm Al absorber attenuated X-rays produced by S native to the polysulfone and minimized pileup, allowing use of higher beam currents at the expense of detecting elements of Z < 22. Uniformity of dust deposition on the membranes was evaluated by utilizing Fe concentration as a dust tracer. Areas of uniform particulate deposition with comparable results to averages across the entire membrane were located, allowing reduced acquisition time. GeoPIXE software was used for quantitative analysis, and 18 elements (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Hg and Pb) were investigated for a collaborative project. Average minimum detection limits (MDL) were ≤ 10 ng/cm2 for 21 > Z greater than 36 and 10–30 ng/cm2 for 36 < Z < 83. Polysulfone is shown to be an appropriate substrate for PIXE analysis of environmental samples, especially when quantification of low-Z elements is not a priority.