Usually the filter papers will be desiccated for 24 hr before and after ambient air pollutant sampling.
As we encounter some error in weighing balance, we are unable to weigh the exposed air pollutant accumulated filter papers.
So until the balance is repaired, the exposed filter papers placed in a filter carrier and are desiccated.
Is the method we adopted is fine or do we need to follow any other?
Kindly advice me.
Thanks in advance.
Dear Ezhil,
Usually the filters are stored in a freezer in order to maintain the volatile species such as nitrates. So it is suggested to keep them in cold storage but it highly depends on the type of analysis you want to perform on your filters afterwards.
Best,
Manos
Dear Manousos
Thanks for the suggestions.
Generally after weighing the exposed filter papers, I cover them in aluminium foil and pack it in ziplock covers and deep freeze it for future analysis.
But right now, our weighing balance is under maintenance and it takes a week for repair. I have exposed samples that are to be weighed. So till then I have covered them inside the filter carriers and put them in desiccator.
So I am afraid whether the method is right or not?
I suggest to keep them in the freezer and put them in the desiccator prior to weighing (when your balance is repaired). It is better to have them in the freezer rather than the desiccator.
Dear Manousos
Thanks for the suggestion.
I will take into consideration.
Dear Marimuthu ,
Filters preservation methods depends on the purpose of your project. Will you quantify chemical constituents like metals and volatiles? For metals characterization or mass concentration, you need only to preserve the samples against humidity into a dissicator. However, if you want the analysis of volatiles and ions, you must to keep the samples refrigerated, nevertheless, for no longer than 90 days. See this article about sample preparation and analytical techniques.
Article Trends in analytical techniques applied to particulate matte...
Elson Galvao
Thanks for the suggestions.
Actually due to unavailability of instruments in our lab, we have been collaborating with other institutes.
So, the samples have been preserved in deep freeze since they were collected.
Presently my samples are in deep freeze which were collected 8 months back which will be analysed later in next few months.
Thanks
Ezhil
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