Ion beam microanalysis of individual aerosol particles originating from Saharan dust episodes observed in Debrecen, Hungary

Approximately 50 episodes of Saharan dust intrusion have been observed by PIXE in the atmosphere of Debrecen, Hungary since 1991 [I. Borbély-Kiss, Á.Z. Kiss, E Koltay, Gy. Szabó, L. Bozó, J. Aerosol Sci. 35 (2004) 1205]. In order to separate dust particles of Saharan origin from local sources, and to follow the formation, ageing and evolution of particles originating from long range transport processes, individual dust particle analysis was carried out on the Debrecen ion microprobe.The samples were collected on polycarbonate filters at a rural site 50 km from Debrecen during the Saharan sand plume in November 1996.Quantitative elemental concentrations for elements Z ⩾ 6 were determined using PIXE–PIXE and STIM analytical methods. Saharan dust particles were selected on the base of characteristic elemental ratios like Ti/Ca, Ti/Fe and Al/Ca. Major and trace element content and possible chemical composition of the selected particles were determined.Single particle analysis of Saharan dust particles will lead to a better understanding of their formation process during transport.