1.

0 Summary:
2.0 Objective:

1) To measure Particulate Matter in the 2.5 to 10 µm size range (PM10).

2) To analysis of Metallic Air Pollutants (such as Lead) contain in surrounding area.

3.0 Introduction & Theory:

Particulate matter referring to tiny particles of solid or semi-solid material that suspended
in the air, where it is ranging in size across many order of magnitude. (Pfeiffer, R. L., 2005)
The aim of this experiment is to monitor the particulate matter in 10µm (PM10) and lower.
There is a variety of monitoring methods available for the measurement of mass concentrations
of PM in ambient air. These include both direct reading instruments, which provide continuous
measurements of particle concentrations, and filter-based gravimetric samplers that collect the
particulate material onto a filter, which must then be weighed subsequently in a laboratory.
(Pilot Testing, 2015)

Generally, PM10 particulate are emitted from source, for examples are vehicle and
material handling. Other than that, usually due to sand and dirt blown by winds from a variety
of sites and usually contain large amounts of silica. (Aggregates for Concrete, 2017) A PM10
weighted-filter of 25.5cm × 20.5cm set into the high volume sampler. Air is drawn through a
size-selective inlet and through some sort of filter media. Particulates with aerodynamic
diameters less than the cut-point of the inlet are collected on the filter media. (Pfeiffer, R. L.,
2005) The mass of these particulates is determined by the difference in filter weight before and
after sampling. The concentration of the suspended particulate matter in the designated size
range is calculated by dividing the weight gain of the filter by the volume of the air sampled.

Total Air Volume (m3) : Flow Rate × Total Sample Time (Eq. 1)

Particulate Concentration (µg/m3) : Net Particulate Weight / Total Air Volume (Eq. 2)

As the particulates inhaled into by human, it may contain toxicity due to synergistic effect.
In this exepriment, the lead captured by the filter paper also analysed using Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy (AAS).

Amount of Pb in exposed area :

Amount of Pb in sub-sampling × Area collected for Pb Analysis (Eq. 3)

Amount of Pb in 24 hour : Amount of Pb in exposed area × Total Air Volume (Eq. 4)

Procedure:

The filter paper was first prepared by measuring and cutting it to the size of 20.5cm x
25.5cm and placed in a sealed plastic bag to prevent other particle contaminations. The filter
paper was then weighted to get its initial weight using analytical balance. The High-Volume
Sampler was placed outside of the laboratory. The facelift wing nuts and faceplate were
loosened and removed. The filter paper was then removed from plastic bag and placed onto the
center of the support screen. The rough side of the filter was placed upwards. The facelift wing
nuts and faceplate were placed back and tightened. The Dickson Chart was then placed to
estimate and indicated the air flow during sampling. The High-Volume Sampler was then
turned on and started sampling. After 24 hours, the sampling was completed then the sampler
was turned off. The filter paper was taken and placed back into the plastic bag. The filter paper
was weighted again to get its final weight. The PM10 concentration was calculated. The filter
was then cut to the size of 6.6cm in diameter. The filter paper was placed in a beaker and
digested with 50ml of HCl for 30 minutes at 150oC. The beaker was coved with a lid to avoid
solution loss and other contaminants. The solution was then transferred into a volumetric flask.
10 drops of HNO3 was added into the volumetric flask and distilled water was added to make
up until the marker. The solution was then analyzed using the atomic absorption spectroscopy
(AAS) which was mainly done by a trained technician.
4.0 Data and Result:

HIGH VOLUME / PM10 DATA RECORD

Site / Station : Lab 17

Sample Date : 12/2

Collection Date : 13/2

Time : 24 Hours

Initial Filter Weight : 4.31g

Gross Filter Weight : 4.33g

Net Particulate Weight (A) : 0.02g

Flow Rate (Using air flow : 40 ft3/min

meter)
Running Time Meter (Initial) : 9.20 am

(Final) : 9.20 am

Total Sample Time : 1720 – 280 = 1440min = 24 hours

Total Air Volume : (40 X 1440) X 0.028 = 1612.8 m3

Particulate Concentration : A g / 1612.8 m3 = 6.20µg/m3

Exposed Area : 20.5 X 27 = 553.5 cm2

Plumbum test using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS):

Sample Mean SD RSD Replicates Replicates Replicates

(%)
Blank 0.319 0.0017 0.5 0.321 0.317 0.319
Autozero Performed
Standard 0.107 0.0028 2.7 0.104 0.110 0.106
1
Standard 1 Applied
Standard 0.137 0.0007 0.5 0.138 0.137 0.136
2
Standard 2 Applied
Standard 0.166 0.0013 0.8 0.166 0.168 0.165
3
Standard 3 Applied
Corr. Coef.: 0.831939 Slope: 0.06567 Intercept: 0.0000
Sample 0.027 0.0178 66.7 0.047 0.014 0.020
001
Table 1: The Result obtained from Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

Figure 1: The Graph Obtained from Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer test

5.0 Analysis & Discussion:

The objectives of these experiment are to measure particulate matter in the 0 to 10

µm size range (PM10) and Analysis of Metallic Air Pollutants such as Lead. Thermo Anderson
with high volume sampler (PM10) is the equipment or device that been used to measure the
quality of the air and the content in the air such lead and any heavy metal that will decreasing
the health of the human and other living things. These equipment abbreviation to particulate
matter that with diameter equal to or less than 10 micrometer. The PM10 sampler is supported
by a protective shelter ensuring that the surface of the filter rest in the horizontal position. This
aerodynamic design allows for the collection of particulate at 10 micrometer or less. (Ingrid P.
S. Araujo, 2014)

The flow controlled principle, when applied to a high volume air sampler, when
applied to a high volume air sampler, incorporates with a small-wall of venturi orifice that
gradually open to a recovery section. The vacuum, which is provided by a motor downstream
of the venturi, is capable of recovering over 95% of the energy lost in the energy in differential
pressures across the restricting orifice as compared to other high volume air samplers. The
critical flow achieved once the air velocity of the flow stream is equal to the acoustic velocity
or speed of sound. The condition of the venturi, including the flow rate, are determined by
upstream conditions provided by the downstream changes the remain minimal. This condition,
of downstream restriction thus accelerating the air flow through the venturi, is distinctive
characteristic known as choking. (Thermo Fisher, 2010)

The result obtained from the lead testing using the AAS for the blank sample was at
the mean of 0.319 with standard deviation (SD) of 0.0017 and relative standard deviation
(RSD) of 0.5%. The blank sample is used as the base line for the rest of the testing. Standard
samples 1, 2 and 3 were then tested one by one. Standard 1 obtained the mean of 0.107 with
SD of 0.0028 and RSD of 2.7%. Standard 2 obtained the mean of 0.137 with SD of 0.0007 and
RSD of 0.5%. Standard 3 obtained the mean of 0.166 with SD of 0.0013 and RSD of 0.8%.
Then finally, the lab sample obtained was tested. The mean obtained was 0.027 with SD of
0.0178 and RSD of 66.7%.

The lab sample obtained a fairly low mean value compared to the blank and standard
samples which was 0.027 compared to the lowest of the standard samples of 0.107. The
standard deviation and relative standard deviation obtained also showed large differences
compared to the blank and standard samples. This is primarily due to the replicates value of
the lab samples which were 0.047, 0.014 and 0.020 as they show large differences in value
between each other.

There were many factors that affected the sampling process in the duration of 24
hours. One of the factors is the location of the sampler. It was placed outside of the laboratory
and next to a motor vehicle road which was an uncontrolled environment. Thus, resulting in
the discrepancy during the AAS analysis which showed the high RSD value and replicates
values. Another factor is due to the high wind velocity during the 24-hour period. The Dickson
chart showed the value of 40 CFM during the sampling with suggest such conditions. This also
caused the sample to contain more particulate matter such as lead to be trapped.
6.0 Conclusion and recommendation:
7.0 References

Ingrid P. S. Araujo. (2014). Identification and Charactherization of particulate matter concentration at

construction jobsites. Sustainability, 1-23.

Thermo Fisher. (2010). VFC-PM10 volume high sampler. Thermo scientific, 1-2.

Aggregate for Concrete; by University of Memphis (2016) Design and control of concrete mixture,
Retrieved from https://www.studocu.com/en-us/s/1061145

Pilot Testing (2015) Dust meter comparison, Retrieved from https://www.pilot-testing.com/single-

post/2015/07/15/RECENT-STUDY-HIGHLIGHT S-%E2%80%93-DUST-METER-COMPARISON

Pfeiffer, R. L. (2005) Sampling for PM10 and PM2.5 particulates, Retrieved from
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2398&context=usdaarsfacpu b