Size Distribution Characterization of Indoor Aerosol Particles

Mass concentration and Elemental characteristics of aerosols were investigated in indoor air of El-Minia University. Berner Impactor and Sierra sampler are used as aerosol samplers with flow rates of 1.7 and 78 m3/h respectively. The collected samples by Berner impactor were analyzed for seven metal and toxic elements (Pb, Mn, Fe, Cu, K, Ca and Ba) using atomic absorption technique. In addition, twenty one elements analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in filters which collected by Sierra sampler. Particles with an aerodynamic diameter <2 µm were predominant, thus accounting for more than 80% of the total aerosol mass concentration found in inhalable range. Ca, S, Cl, Mg and Ba represent the highest percentages. Soil dust is the most ubiquitous sources of Ca, Fe, Al and Mg. The other elements are mainly from natural and traffic road.