VDI 2267 Blatt 1:2011-07

The VDI Guideline describes a sampling method for metals and metalloids as part of the PM 10 aerosol, a microwave pressure digestion of the sample in an oxidizing acid mixture and the analysis with the following three techniques:- graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS)- inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)- inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The complete and validated measurement method can be used to determine particle bound Pb, Cd, Ni and As in connection with the European Council Directive 2008/50/EG on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. Besides that the method can be used to determine further particle bound elements in different fractions of suspended particulate matter.The use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and of graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) as sensitive analytical methods have proven themselves for the determination of particle bound Pb, Cd, Ni and As as well as further heavy metals as part of the PM 10 aerosol. The inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is predominantly used for the analysis of alkaline, alkaline earth metals as well as Fe, Mn, Al and Zn. In an overview the VDI Guideline shows the suitable analysis technique together with their typical lower working ranges for the determination of metals and metalloids as part of the suspended particulate matter (PM 10).