Comparison of preparation techniques for analysis of asbestos samples by transmission electron microscopy

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Anal. Chem.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00272a050· OSTI ID:6030348

Finn, M B; Hallenbeck, W H; Chen, E H

Four techniques were evaluated for the preparation of asbestos samples by transmission electron microscopy utilizing a chrysotile suspension of known mass concentration. The acetone droplet technique was compared to three direct transfer techniques: EPA interim method on ashed and unashed samples and the condensation washer technique on unashed samples. Recording of the analytical results on a fiber vs. a fibril basis was also evaluated. Asbestos recovery on the basis of number and mass concentration was significantly less for the acetone droplet technique than the recovery for the three direct transfer techniques. The three direct transfer techniques were not significantly different regarding number and mass concentrations. The acetone droplet technique is not recommended for the quantitative analysis of asbestos samples. Recording observations on a fiber basis was selected as the most appropriate system for reporting results. 9 references, 4 tables.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Illinois, Chicago
• OSTI ID: 6030348
• Journal Information: Anal. Chem.; (United States), Vol. 56:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ASBESTOS
STRUCTURAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
FIBERS
CLASSIFICATION
AEROSOL MONITORING
AIR POLLUTION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EFFICIENCY
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FILTRATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
SAMPLE PREPARATION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
DATA
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
INFORMATION
MICROSCOPY
MONITORING
NUMERICAL DATA
POLLUTION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)