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Topic2 Exercises

The document discusses methods for continuous monitoring and quantification of particulate matter (PM2.5) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the atmosphere. It describes the use of inertial separators for PM2.5, including cyclones and impactors, and quantification methods such as manual weighing, beta attenuation monitoring, and tapered element oscillating microbalance. Additionally, it explains SO2 detection using molecular fluorescence and the role of permeation tubes in calibration, along with an overview of nitrogen oxides and their environmental significance.

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Yi Wei Foo
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2 views2 pages

Topic2 Exercises

The document discusses methods for continuous monitoring and quantification of particulate matter (PM2.5) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the atmosphere. It describes the use of inertial separators for PM2.5, including cyclones and impactors, and quantification methods such as manual weighing, beta attenuation monitoring, and tapered element oscillating microbalance. Additionally, it explains SO2 detection using molecular fluorescence and the role of permeation tubes in calibration, along with an overview of nitrogen oxides and their environmental significance.

Uploaded by

Yi Wei Foo
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CM4011 – Advanced Analytical Chemistry

Topic 2 – Automated Measurements of Priority Pollutants

Question 1

Describe the methods that can be used for continuous monitoring and quantification of particulate
matter (PM2.5) present in air.

The PM first needs to be separated into the correct size. This is performed using inertial
separators.

 Inertial separators use the principle that when particles that are suspended in a gas stream
come in contact with a solid surface, their kinetic energy is transferred to the solid surface
and they deposit. Inertial separators can be either cyclones or impactors.
 Cyclones are inertial separators that spin the gas stream
 Impactors are inertial separators where the gas stream is directed at a metal plate.

Once the particles are separated into size, they can be quantified in three ways.

 Manual weighing involves collecting the particles on filters and then weighing the filter.
The filters can also be used as a way to collect the particles so that chemical analysis can
be performed.
 Beta attenuation monitoring (BAM) utilizes the adsorption of beta radiation of solid
particles. A continuous ribbon system is used to deposit the separated particles. Two BAM
sources are used that apply radiation through the ribbon before and after the deposition of
the particles. From the difference between readings, the amount of particles can be
quantified.
 Tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) uses an oscillating quartz crystal
microbalance and relies on the piezoelectric effect.

1
Question 2

Briefly describe how SO2 gas is detected and quantified in the atmosphere.

 With molecular fluorescence, a Zn lamp is used to apply the radiation to the SO2 which
is pumped into a glass cell. Water vapour is the only major interferent which can be
removed prior to analysis.
 The only difficulty is the calibration that is performed using permeation tubes.
 The equipment can run for long periods of time and be fully automated.

Question 3

Describe how permeation tubes are used to aid in the calibration of gaseous compounds, such as
SO2. You should illustrate your answer with a schematic diagram.

The tubes consist of a PTFE-lined container


containing the membrane and filled with
liquid pressurized SO2 gas housed in a
constant temperature enclosure.

If the total volume of gas passing through the


apparatus in a given time is measured (with a
flow meter), and the loss in weight of the tube
in the same time determined, then the
concentration of SO2 in the gas flow can be
calculated.

Question 4

Explain the differences between the oxides of nitrogen.

There are three major oxides of nitrogen that are commonly found in the air: N2O, NO and NO2.

N2O is relatively harmless, therefore, is not routinely measured for air pollution monitoring.

NO and NO2 are more toxic (especially NO2) so are routinely measured.

NO2 exists in equilibrium with N2O4, thus, the three most important gases (in terms of
environmental pollution) are NO, NO2 and N2O4, with the three collectively called NOX.

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