scope:

This Standard specifies a gravimetric method for the determination of suspended particulate matter in ambient air. Generally, the particles collected are of equivalent aerodynamic diameter (EAD) of less than 100 μm. The upper size limit of particles collected depends upon sampling conditions, especially wind velocity and direction.

The method provides a measure of mean concentration of TSP over the sampling period employed.

NOTES:

1 Sampling is normally of 24 h duration to average out the effect of the diurnal variations in particle levels and to enable collection of sufficient mass of particulate matter. Provided that the mass of the filter is determined under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, mean concentrations of 1 μg/m3 and greater may be determined using a 24 h sampling period.

2 It is possible that some particulate matter, depending upon its hygroscopicity or volatility, may alter in mass from its initial as-sampled state because of the environmental conditions and filter equilibration procedure referred to in Clauses 7.1 and 7.8. The degree of mass change is largely due to the nature of the sampled aerosol and may vary from day to day, site to site and seasonally.