Analysis of single aerosol particles collected in urban and cave environment by proton microprobe

Quantitative PIXE analysis was performed on several single aerosol particle s collected with cascade impactor by the scanning proton microprobe of Debr ecen. The cascade impactor samples were collected at an urban location in D ebrecen and in a speleotherapeutic cave situated under Budapest during the winter of 1998. The aerosol samples have already been analysed by bulk PIXE technique. Elemental concentrations for 23 elements and also the size of t he particles were determined. Cluster analysis was carried out to identify the: different particle groups. The contribution of the different types of particles to each size fraction were investigated with special regard to th e smaller size fractions which are interesting from the point of view of th e speleotherapy. Tracts of anthropogenic pollution were also shown in the c ave aerosol. and the possible composition of particles containing these pol lutants is given. Comparison of the urban and cave aerosol particles is als o discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.