Detection and analysis of aerosol particles deposited on the surface of pine needles

This study was undertaken to provide an effective means of evaluating the deposition of aerosol particles, particularly those containing Pb, on vegetation in different ecosystems. Analysis and detection of aerosol particles deposited on the surface of pine needles utilized the following techniques: atomic absorption spectroscopy of deposits washed from leaves, SEM evaluation of the efficiency of the cleaning procedures, and x-ray microprobe analysis of aerosol particles on unwashed leaves. SEM and x-ray micro-analysis show that unwashed needles carry particles which, by their size, shape and K/Ca ratios, appear to have different origins (soil, industrial, biological). Atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis of Pb removed from needles indicates deposition rates as low as 0.05 ng/cm/sup 2//day.