Application of EPMA and XRF for the investigation of particulate pollutants in the field of cultural heritage

摘要

For an integrated assessment of airborne pollutants, their concentrations and their sources have to be investigated along with possible ways of deterioration of the objects of art. The chemical composition and size characterization of atmospheric particulate pollutants is possible by computer-controlled electron probe microanalysis (CC-EPMA) at the single particle level, and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) for bulk analysis. We report on the chemical composition of airborne particulate matter sampled at various European churches and museums.