The chemical composition of African haze
Wippel, R.; Pichler-Semmelrock, F.P.; Köck, M.; Haas, G.; Kosmus, W.
Central European Journal of Public Health 9(3): 140-144
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1210-7778 PMID: 11505736 Document Number: 538453
The LAMMA technique (Laser Microprobe Mass Analyzer) is a valuable and powerful technique for the analysis and characterization of particulate air pollutants. At seven sites in Zimbabwe, Africa, dust particles were collected and 200 single particles were analyzed for each sampling point. The main chemical species present in the particles are Na+, K+, Cl, NO3+ and SO4(2-). Beside these, soot particles, containing carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons were found. Biomass burning was identified as the major source of the dust particles what is in accordance with the assumed air quality for our sampling period.