Analysis of individual environmental particles using microPIXE and nuclear microscopy

PIXE analysis has been used for many years for the characterization of environmental samples, especially aerosol particles. The low detection limits, speed, quantitative accuracy and multielemental capability give this technique a unique role in determining low levels of trace elements in samples. The recent extension of the PIXE technique to use focused beams gives the additional capability of microscopic analysis and so the distribution of trace elements in samples can be determined. This paper describes the technique of nuclear microscopy and reviews its use in the analysis of individual environmental particles such as aerosols, fly ash and lake sediments. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.