Laser Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Organic Atmospheric Aerosols. 1. Characterization of Emission Sources

Carbonaceous aerosol particles stemming from combustion processes play a key role in air pollution. Major emission sources include Diesel vehicles, gasoline vehicles, residential heating, wood fires, and cigarettes. The chemical characterization of the particles is essential to the identification of their origin. This task can be accomplished using two-step laser mass spectrometry (L2MS). Only small sample quantities are necessary, and the measurements can be performed within minutes. L2MS was found to be a valuable alternative to more laborious chemical analysis techniques that often require extensive sample preparation. Tracer mass spectral patterns were identified, notably based on specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). Their specificity allows the identification of different particle emission sources at sites of exposure.