Abstract

The Lundgren impactor is used to determine the variations in time and size distributions of particulate matter in Utah Valley. Charged particle X-ray fluorescence is employed in this study to determine elemental concentrations. Air samples are taken during two 24-hour periods in downtown Provo, 24 hours near U.S. Steel Corporation, Geneva Works, and 12 hours at Lindon Elementary School, and diurnal particulate variations are compared. The amounts of lead and bromine are four times greater on a weekday than on a Sunday in downtown Provo, suggesting the effect of the automobile on atmospheric particulate concentrations. Paraffin coated impaction surfaces are compared with uncoated surfaces, and it is shown that collection efficiency is at least 1.5 times greater when a coated impaction surface is used. The effect of rainfall on particulate levels is studied. Experimental results show that potassium, calcium, iron, and titanium are concentrated in larger airborne particulates, while lead, bromine, zinc, and manganese are concentrated in the smaller particles.

Degree

College and Department

Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry

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