Abstract
The x-ray fluorescence(XRF) is one of the most convenient and widely used techniques for analyzing trace elements in ambient particulate matters. The objects of the study were to estimate the optimum exposure time using the XRF, to investigate the distributions of heavy metal levels in particulate matters, and finally to study seasonal variation for the concentrations of total suspended particulate matters(TSP) and size fractionated particulate matters. The suspended particulate matters had been collected by a cascade impactor having 9 size fragnated stages for 3 years(Dec. 1988 to Nov. 1991) in Kyung Hee University-Suwon Campus. The particulate matters were then collected on each stage by membrane filters. The weight concentrations were determined by the XRF system. Thus, seasonal variations and relationship between concentration and particle size could be investigated. Resulting distribution was bimodal with the coarse and the fine particle groups minimum occurring around 2.1 to 3.3 $\mu$m as an aerodynamic diameter. To determine optimum exposure time of the XRF for various trace inorganic elements, membrane filters and the NIST standard filters were extensively studied. Using a statistical technique, optimum exposure time was estimated for each trace element and overall elements. The time was then determined as 20 seconds for the XRF system. The concentration of TSP was 123.9$\mum/m^3$ on an arithmatic average. The levels of each inorganic metal were Si 2420.0ng/$m^3$, Fe 977.1ng/$m^3$, and so on. The Pb. Zn, and Cu abounded in the fine mode group, while Ca, Fe, Si, Al, and K in the coarse group. Marked seasonal variation of TSP and metal concentrations was observed. The concentration of heavy metals in the fine mode was highest in winter : on the other hand, that in the coarse mode was highest in spring.
