Use of Electrostatic Collector for Real-time Personal Exposure Monitoring of Ultrafine Particles

Shaelyn Chen, Erkam Cakmak, Chengyu Zhang, Yifan Liu, Ching-Hsuan Huang, Byron Ockerman, IGOR NOVOSSELOV, University of Washington

     Abstract Number: 435
     Working Group: Instrumentation and Methods

Abstract
Ultrafine Particulate (UFP) pollutants include a complex mixture of aerosols with varying chemical compositions and particle sizes. Long-term exposure has been associated with adverse health effects and increased mortality rates. Scanning mobility analyzers can measure the concentration of UFP based on their electrical mobility; however, these instruments are relatively large and too expensive to be used as personal exposure devices. We aimed to develop a miniature electrostatic particle collector that can track UFP personal exposure in real time. Our device utilized an electrostatic field to collect UFP on a transparent substrate combined with real-time light transmission measurements. Using laboratory combustion-generated aerosols such as wood smoke, and cigarette smoke, our collector was able to reach collection efficiency greater than 50%. Additionally, based on continuous transmission measurements, we achieved real-time monitoring for several types of UFPs with ~10ug sensitivity. The collection efficiencies and transmission experiments provide proof of concept data for the method optimization and development of a miniature sensor.