Instrumentation, data evaluation and quantification in on-line aerosol mass spectrometry.

On-line micro- and nanoparticle mass spectrometry has evolved into a prominent analytical method for the characterization of airborne particles, particle populations and aerosols over the recent years, driven by essential developments in instrumentation, data evaluation and validation. In this tutorial, the fundamental aspects of the technology and methodology for qualitative and quantitative on-line aerosol particle analysis are discussed. Specific properties of the on-line mass spectrometric instrumentation for particle analysis are described, combined with a discussion of basic differences of the instruments and demands for future improvements of instruments and data analysis techniques. Optimized technology and methodology in particle analysis is expected to lead to essential growth of the knowledge and to quality improvement of the description of atmospheric processes and health effects in the future. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.