Aerosol sampling and analysis methods

Aerosols are major constituents of the atmosphere in the same way as gases. On the one hand, they play a part in many natural phenomena, such as cloud formation and the atmosphere's radiation balance. On the other hand, they can be harmful to human health when they are small in size (< 2.5 µm). They are therefore of growing interest to researchers the world over.

It is therefore essential to determine the aerosol's specific physico-chemical parameters, in particular its size, shape (morphology) and chemical composition. All organic, inorganic and mineral chemical families are present in aerosols. There is therefore no global method for determining its composition. Nevertheless, its composition is well known. On the other hand, we still don't know where a compound is in the aerosol. Whether it is on the surface, i.e. accessible, or at the heart of the aerosol, i.e. inaccessible, its importance is extremely different, both in terms of health and climate.