TEOM vs. manual gravimetric methods for determination of PM2.5 aerosol mass concentrations

Comparison of 24 h mean PM2.5 aerosol loadings determined by a TEOM and by two manual gravimetric samplers (a low-volume filter sampler and a Micro Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor) in four Australian cities, on 15 days in the winter half-year, revealed systematically lower results from the TEOM by an average of >30%. This result is consistent with reports from elsewhere suggesting that semi-volatile aerosol material is lost from the heated sample filter employed on the TEOM.