Chemical characterization of air pollutants in the ambient environment and stack emissions using PIXE and other techniques

Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and other techniques have been used for chemical characterization of air pollutants in the ambient environment and in coal-fired power plant stack emissions. A microwave digestion procedure was developed to extract filter samples collected in the plumes from destruction of propellants and explosives by Open-Burning and Open-Detonation (OBOD). Air pollutants introduced by open- burning of propellants were revealed.; From the study of atmospheric data collected during the winter of 1989-1990 in Utah Valley, an understanding was gained about factors affecting concentrations of pollutants in Utah Valley and contributions of various sources to the major gaseous and fine particulate species.; A new sampling system, PIXE and GFAAS were used, and new techniques were developed for determining concentrations of gas-phase endemic tracers and elements emitted from coal-fired power plants in projects PP&L and MOHAVE. The PIXE results were compared with EPA's XRF data and particle-size corrections for PIXE data were also discussed.