PM 2.5

Particulate Matter (PM2.
5) Ambient Air
1. PURPOSE
This document describes the procedure to be followed to determine Particulate Matter
(PM2.5) in Ambient Air.
2. REFERENCE
USEPA Quality Assurance handbook Vol. II, Part-2; Quality Assurance Document 2.12
3. APPARATUS
Analytical balance of 0.001 mg
Ambient Fine Dust Sampler Model PEM- ADS 2.5 µ/10µ
Cassette carrier
47 mm Filter Media – Teflon Membrane (46.2 mm Ø )
Forecep, Plastic Bags
4. PRINCIPLE
An electrically powered air sampler draws ambient air at a constant volumetric
flow rate (16.7 lpm) maintained by a mass flow / volumetric flow controller coupled to a
microprocessor into specially designed inertial particle-size separator (i.e. cyclones or
impactors) where the suspended particulate matter in the PM2.5 size ranges is separated for
collection on a 47 mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter over a specified sampling period.
Each filter is weighed before and after sample collection to determine the net gain due to
the particulate matter. The mass concentration in the ambient air is computed as the total
mass of collected particles in the PM2.5 size ranges divided by the actual volume of air
sampled, and is expressed in μg/m3. The microprocessor reads averages and stores five-
minute averages of ambient temperature, ambient pressure, filter temperature and
volumetric flow rate. In addition, the microprocessor calculates the average temperatures
and pressure, total volumetric flow for the entire sample run time and the coefficient of
variation of the flow rate.
5. PROCEDURE
a. Calibration and performance check of sampler
 To check external and internal leak check.
 To check single point ambient temperature and filter temperature verification.
 To check ambient temperature calibration.
 To check filter temperature calibration.
 To check Pressure verification and calibration check.
 Run the sampler for required time period. Record the flow rate on hourly basis
 Label all the filters following a general lab coding technique.
 Put the marked filters in petri dishes.
 Use always proper foreceps to handle the filter paper in lab and field as well.
 Record initial weight of the filter and then place the filter on the sampler.
 Record final weight of the filter.
Filter Weighing
 Use clean hands for all filter handling.
 Inspect all the filter papers for holes or cracks. Reject, if any deformity is found.
 Label all the filters following a general lab coding technique, which should be unique
to represent a sample.
 Put the marked filters in petri dishes.
 Use always proper forceps to handle the filter papers in lab and field as well.
 Prepare a sample-tracking sheet for each filter paper.
 Cleaning and Maintenance of the Sample Handling Room.
 The requirements for a sample handling room include a reduced dust environment,
and, over the twenty-four hour period prior to analysis of exposed filters,
temperature in the range of 25º C with variation less than ± 3º C, and relative
humidity 45% ±5%.
 Clean the metal and plastic forceps with ethanol.
 Clean the work surface around the balance with ethanol.
 Internal Calibration should be performed daily before any Pre- or Post sampling
weighing.
 The balance is cleaned and calibrated every day for ranges at the start of operation.
 Place a filter on the weighing pan and obtain a stable reading.
 Weighing of Filters
 Take out pre-conditioned filters by forceps one by one and weigh properly. Record the
mass in data sheet and log books against respective filter numbers or code.
 Replace and close the filter container (Petri dishes).
 Put Lab code on from petri-slide filter containers (Filter Cassette).
 Weigh the preconditioned filter.
 Record and store it in laboratory coded filter cassette.
 Follow the same procedure for exposed filter.
 Put the marked pre-weighed filters in Zip pouch. Transport the filters in a dry clean
box (temperature control is optional) to the field.
 Record the weight on the data form in the blank or exposed filter column.
 The balance shall be calibrated as specified by the manufacturer at installation and
recalibrated immediately prior to each weighing session.
 In the pre-and post-sampling weighing should be carried out on the same analytical
Balance sensitivity reliability + 0.001 mg
6. CALCULATION
a. The equation to calculate the mass of fine particulate matter collected on Teflon filter is as
below:
M2.5 = (Mf – Mi) mg x 103 μg
Where,
M2.5 = total mass of fine particulate collected during sampling period (μg)
Mf = final mass of the conditioned filter after sample collection (mg)
Mi = initial mass of the conditioned filter before sample collection (mg)
103 = unit conversion factor for milligrams (mg) to micrograms (μg)
b. Field records of PM2.5 samplers are required to provide measurements of the total volume
of ambient air passing through the sampler (V) in cubic meters at the actual temperatures
and pressures measured during sampling.
V = Q avg x t x 103 m 3
where,
V = volume of air sampled, in m3
Q = average flow rate, in m3/min; and
t = total sampling time, in min.
103 = unit conversion factor for liters (L) into cubic meters (m3)
c. The equation given below can be used to determine PM2.5 mass concentration:
PM2.5 = M2.5 / V
Where,
PM2.5 = mass concentration of PM2.5 particulates (μg/m 3)
PM2.5 = total mass of fine particulate collected during sampling period (μg)
V = total volume of air sampled (m3)
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