CHARACTERIZATION OF AIRBORNE DUST FROM 2 NONFERROUS FOUNDRIES BY PHYSICOCHEMICAL METHODS AND MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL-ANALYSES

Airborne particulate matter was sampled at a copper smelter and at all aluminum casting plant. Size, shape, quantity, and microlocalization of chemical species in the particulates were measured using closed cas settes, cascade impactors, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffrac tion, infrared and atomic absorption spectrophotometries, secondary io n mass spectrometry, and photoelectron spectroscopy. Cluster and princ ipal components analyses were used in interpreting results. Aerosol ch emistry varies as a function of size, and composition becomes more com plex as the aerosol size drops into the respirable fraction and lower. Surface chemical properties are evidenced where, generally volatile s pecies are enriched. A few site-specific elements and characteristics were identified. The formation of particulates may often be related to process and practices, yet the actual distribution of species in the air remains an intricate matter.