[Simultaneous detection of lower aliphatic amines and conventional cations in atmospheric PM particulates by ion chromatography].

Many amine pollutants exist in the atmosphere. Lower aliphatic amines promote the formation and growth of particles into PM, which damages the heart, lungs, and kidneys of the human body. PM, a common atmospheric particulate pollutant with complex compositions, is the main cause of haze weather. Therefore, measuring the contents of lower aliphatic amines and cations in PM is of great significance for monitoring environmental air quality and protecting human health. This study established a suppressed ion-chromatographic method with conductivity for the simultaneous detection of four lower aliphatic amines (methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, and ethylamine) and five cations (Na, N[Formula: see text], and Ca showed high concentrations. The contents of the four lower aliphatic amines were low; however, the ethylamine content in some samples was high. The results indicate that the proposed method meets the quantification requirements for cations and lower aliphatic amines in PM, with simple processing, high sensitivity, and good accuracy. It can quickly and accurately detect a large number of samples and be used to assess the pollution of small particles in the air as well as trace pollution sources to protect human health.