High Volume Air Sampler
This device samples aerosol particulate matter in the northwestern shoulder of Chacaltaya. It has two interchangeable DIGITEL impactors, which allow to sample particles with aerodynamic diameter lower than 10 or 2.5 µm (i.e., PM10 and PM2.5 fractions) at a flow rate of 30 m3 h-1. Samples are collected on pre-baked quartz fibre filters (Ø 150 mm) on a weekly basis. Filters are stored at -18ºC and then sent for analysis to IGE (France) and IDAEA (Spain), where the soluble fraction is analyzed to determine its content of major and minor ions (by ionic chromatography), organic and elemental carbon (by a thermal method using the EUSSAAR_2 protocol), anhydrous monosaccharides (by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a Pulse Amperometric Detector), major elements (by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry) and trece elements (by ICP–mass spectrometry). Contact person: Isabel Moreno |