On the relation between the size and chemical composition of aerosol particles and their optical properties

The light scattering and absorption coefficients of fine atmospheric aeroso l particles were recorded in Hungary under rural conditions in 1998-1999 by an integrating nephelometer and particle soot absorption photometer, respe ctively. In some cases optical properties in the fine size range were compa red to those in the coarse particles. Results obtained indicate, as expecte d, that fine particles control the scattering and absorption caused by the aerosol. In 1999 the size distribution of aerosol particles was also monito red by means of an electric low pressure impactor (ELPI). This makes it pos sible the study of the relationship between the number, surface and mass co ncentration in the size range of 0.1-1.0 mum and the optical characteristic s by also considering the chemical composition of the particles. (C) 2001 E lsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.