Monitoring of the ultrasonic irradiation effect on the extraction of airborne particulate matter by ion chromatography

The action of ultrasonic waves in liquids can induce or accelerate chemical reactions of the liquids and/or substances dissolved. A study on ultrasonic irradiation effects in aqueous and acetone extracts from airborne particulate matter, was developed. Several systems such as solvents, filters, standard reference material of airborne particles and real samples from atmospheric particulate matter were evaluated. The generation of anionic species during the sonication process was confirmed by ion chromatography. The change of quantitative and qualitative data has shown that ultrasonic extraction leads to false interpretation of analytical results.