Air Sampling Filter Analysis

Automated Microbalance:

The OEH lab has a dedicated, temperature and humidity-controlled balance room for weighing of occupational and environmental gravimetric filter samples. A Measurement Technologies Laboratories automated filter handler allows for rapid weighing of large numbers of samples. This system has been used to study household air pollution from cooking sources, urban PM2.5 levels, engine emissions testing, and many other particulate-based measures. To be measured using the automated microbalance, filter samples must be either 37mm or 47mm and be either a rigid filter (glass fiber, quartz fiber, Emfab, or have a built-in support medium or ring. Filters which can easily fold or bend are not suitable (such as PVC membrane filters).

Manual Microbalances:

Two Sartorius microbalances are available for manual weighing of filters, usually for use in teaching labs.

Black Carbon Analysis

The OEH lab developed and published a novel method for calculating filter reflectance using a digital camera or cell phone camera. This service may be added to gravimetric analysis samples for an additional fee. Black carbon is a related but orthogonal measure of filter loading.

XRF Analysis

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy can be used to obtain elemental composition data on air sampling filters. The analysis is non-destructive. Typical analytes and detection limits can be found in EPA Method IO-3.3.