Abstract
A direct, sensitive, rapid and simple direct current plasma atomic emission spectrometric method was developed to measure traces of beryllium in industrial aerosol samples. The response is linear from 0.001 µg Be/mL to 5 µg Be/mL. Cellulose fiber and cellulose ester membrane filters are wet ashed with mineral acids. “Filtrete” filters are first dry ashed and subsequently treated with mineral acids. All Be is solubilized in 5% HCl and is measured using a Direct Current Plasma Emission Spectrometer at a wavelength of 234.9 nM. Quality control measures include analysis of reagents, blanks, spikes and NBS standard reference materials. Results of analysis of industrial samples collected in different filter media are reported. Some particle size measurements made with a new adaptation of a multicyclone sampler and with a Mercer impactor are also reported. Iron interferes with the Be measurement when it is present in very large concentrations.