Elemental composition and mixing properties of atmospheric mineral particles collected in Hohhot, China

The hygroscopic properties of mineral particles were examined by the dialysis (extraction) of water-soluble material with distilled water. The sample collected in the situation of anthropogenic influence showed the presence of water-soluble material in mineral particles. On the basis of the EDX analysis and the water dialysis, it is suggested that the formation of CaSO4 has occurred through chemical reactions of CaCO3 in mineral particles with sulfuric acid in the atmosphere of Hohhot.