We are pleased to share a new publication in Atmospheric Environment resulting from research supported by RIANA transnational access (TNA).
The study, Application of MeV SIMS for multi year and seasonal characterization of PM2.5 aerosols from Krakow, Poland, authored by Mr. Eng.Patryk Grzywa and Dr. Hab. Eng. Lucyna Samek Prof AGH from the AGH University of Krakow, presents the first application of MeV SIMS for the chemical characterization of urban PM2.5 aerosols.
This work demonstrates how MeV SIMS enables direct molecular-level identification of both inorganic and organic species in particulate matter, offering new insights into seasonal variations in urban air pollution. The results reveal distinct differences between winter (dominated by combustion-related emissions and nitrate formation) and summer season (driven by photochemical processes and secondary aerosol formation).
Importantly, the study shows that MeV SIMS serves as a powerful complementary technique to established elemental methods such as X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), enhancing the analytical toolkit for atmospheric research.
These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of PM2.5 composition in polluted environments and highlight the potential of advanced analytical approaches in air quality research.