The present work deals with the optimization and validation of a method for
the quantitative simultaneous ICP determination of metals in ambient air p
articulate matter. The attention has been focused on the thoracic fraction
(PM10) and twelve different metals were chosen on the basis of their toxici
ty and of their possible use as chemical tracers. The microwave acidic dige
stion of the samples has been performed in the presence of different reagen
ts and under different conditions and particular attention has been paid to
the optimization of the whole analytical procedure and to the evaluation o
f accuracy and precision related to the single operative steps. The interfe
rences due to the reagents and to the sampling supports have also been eval
uated. In addition, the analytical procedure has been checked by examining
the equivalence of results related to parallel sampled filters pairs.