ASSESSMENT OF METHODS FOR CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF WINTER ATMOSPHERIC AIR WHEN APPLYING DEICING MATERIALS
The paper outlines the relevance of choosing an optimal method for atmospheric air chemical analysis, capable to provide an appropriate identification and quantification of salts ingredients that make up the major part of deicing materials (DMs), currently used in winter period in Moscow. Chemical composition evaluation of various types of DMs has resulted in selection of indicator ions for subsequent analytical procedures. The authors’ own experimental data on analyzing atmospheric air samples collected in winter in Moscow using various absorption devices and chemical analytical methods (i.e. ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) are presented. A series of limitations of applying modern aspirators under conditions of sub-zero winter temperatures are revealed. Sodium and chlorine ion levels in the atmospheric air of Moscow are found to be significantly higher than the corresponding background level of natural origin. An urgent necessity to continue research in this area has been emphasized with the focus on improving the approach for selection of the optimal method for chemical analysis and sampling procedures, which is highly important in terms of reducing a negative impact of DMs on public health and environment.