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Title: Determination of nitrate in atmospheric particulate matter by thermal decomposition and chemiluminescence

Journal Article · · Anal. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00289a037· OSTI ID:5048531

A thermal decomposition/chemiluminescence method is presented for determining nitrate in atmospheric particular matter. Nitrate in the sample is thermally decomposed to NO/sub x/, which is then determined with a commercial chemiluminescence NO/sub x/ monitor. The nitrate in a filter sample can be determined directly by heating a segment of the filter in a furnace or after extraction of the filter by flash heating the aqueous extract in a sample loop. In either case, the sample is decomposed in a nitrogen atmosphere to avoid interference from ammonium. The NO/sub x/ peak from nitrate decomposition can be quantified by integrating the chemiluminescence signal or by integrating the gas sample in a Tedlar bag prior to the chemiluminescence measurement. The technique is straightforward, fast, and sensitive, and interferences in atmospheric samples are negligible. A comparison of the thermal decomposition/chemiluminescence method with ion chromatography using filter samples collected in ambient air showed good agreement over a wide range of concentrations. 26 references.

Research Organization:
Battelle Columbus Labs., OH
OSTI ID:
5048531
Journal Information:
Anal. Chem.; (United States), Vol. 57:12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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