Evaluation of an Online Monitoring System for Atmospheric Heavy Metal

The pollution of heavy metal in the atmosphere has been attracting more attention due to its harm to human's health. Online monitoring systems for atmospheric heavy metal based on X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and the filter membrane sampling technique are available in the market. They have high measurement efficiency by measuring dozens of heavy metal elements simultaneously and hence have good prospects for application in environmental atmospheric monitoring. However, there is lack of verifications or specifications or standards for measurement of those systems in China. An online monitoring system (AHMA-1000) was tested according to the certification rules established by the China Association of Environmental Protection Industry. A comparison test on actual samples was made by setting up a particulate aerosol generator that generated metal elements particulate aerosol of stable concentrations.