ppb-PIXE analysis of the trace-element content in precipitation

PIXE is a well established and valuable method for quantitative and qualitative aerosol elemental analysis. Using this method, we have developed a technique to simultaneously analyse the trace-element content in precipitation for elements with Z> 12. Freeze-drying and leaching was used as a nonselective preconcentration technique. A special backing foil to take up the sample liquid to be dried was developed for these experiments. By careful adjustment of the experimental parameters, we reached a detection limit lower than 1 ppb for most detected elements. Thus, it will be possible to analyze precipitation at low concentrations of trace elements which are important for air chemistry and environmental studies.Supported by DFG/Bonn under Sonderforschungsbereich 233.