Characterisation of individual aerosol particles for atmospheric and cultural heritage studies

Microanalysis of individual particles allows straightforward and advanced c haracterisation of environmental samples. The most obvious technique to stu dy large microparticle populations is still electron probe X-ray microanaly sis (EPXMA). Recently, technical and methodological progress has been made to remedy some of the limitations of conventional EPXMA, as, for example, i n the detection of low Z-elements. Recent examples of the use of EPXMA in v arious environmental fields are presented, namely concerning atmospheric de position of micropollutants and nutrients to the sea, characterisation of a erosols in the context of their effect on Global Change (remote continental and biogenic aerosols) and aerosol deposition and soiling of paintings in museums.