ELECTRON MICROSCOPY CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIVIDUAL AEROSOL PARTICLES

The aim of this work is the physico-chemical characterization of particulate matter in urban area in Tirana. 24 hour samples of suspended particulate matter were collected at the top of the Central Polyclinic of Tirana building. Sampling was carried out from 22 February to 4 March January 2013 and a total of 476 particles from 7 samples were processed for SEM/EDS analysis. Qualitative analysis of particulate matter samples were performed using scanning electron microscope JEOL JSM-563 equipped with an Oxford Link ISIS L300 for EDX analysis. Based on X-ray spectra of individual particles performed by EDS, the most abundant elements detected were C, O, Si, Al, Ca, Mn, Mg, Cd, Pb and Fe present in both coarse and fine fractions. C, Si, Al and Ca were the most abundant element. Major anthropogenic sources of particulate matter in Tirana are traffic generated fugitive dust from unpaved roads, diesel vehicle emissions and construction activities.