Analytical Sciences


Abstract − Analytical Sciences, 22(3), 415 (2006).

Elemental Distribution in Individual Rain Droplets Determined by a Combination of the Replication Method and the Synchrotoron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence Microprobe Technique
Chang-Jin MA,*1 Susumu TOHNO,*2 Mikio KASAHARA,*3 and Shinjiro HAYAKAWA*4
*1 Department of Environmental Science, Fukuoka Women's University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 813-8529, Japan
*2 Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
*3 Institute of Science and Technology Research, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi 487-8501, Japan
*4 Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan
The main objective of the present study is to specify the chemical properties of individual rain droplets. For this purpose, we have combined the collodion replication method and the SR-XRF microprobe technique. The dry residual materials retained in a single rain droplet, which correspond to the former cloud condensation nuclei and the scavenged particles during droplet falling, were successively reconstructed by the multiple elemental maps using SR-XRF microprobe analytical system. Also the SR-XRF microprobe system allows us to quantify the masses of ultra trace elements in residues of individual rain droplet with fg level. The proposed combination method in the present study is found to be helpful to understand the physicochemical properties of individual rain droplets.