Abstract

The feasibility of using an online thermal-desorption electron-ionization high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-AMS) for the detection of particulate trace elements was investigated by analyzing data from Mexico City obtained during the MILAGRO 2006 field campaign. This potential application is of interest due to the real-time data provided by the AMS, its high sensitivity and time resolution, and the widespread availability and use of this instrument. High-resolution mass spectral analysis, isotopic ratios, and ratios of different ions containing the same elements are used to constrain the chemical identity of the measured ions. The detection of Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sn, and Sb is reported. There was no convincing evidence for the detection of other trace elements commonly reported in ambient particulate matter (PM). The elements detected tend to be those with lower melting and boiling points, as expected given the use of a vaporizer at 600°C in this instrument. The detection limit (DL) is estimated at...

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