ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the physicochemical characteristics physical dimensions, surface chemistry and solubility of diesel exhaust particulates (DEP), along with the ‘control’ particulates of carbon black (CB). Airborne particulates are becoming an increasingly important environmental issue with immediate consequences for human health. A range of microscopical and analytical techniques has been used including transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, image analysis, electron probe X-ray microanalysis, X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma mass and atomic emission spectrometry. The chapter suggests that the post-collection preparation of urban airborne particulate matter such as DEP and CB using standardized methods for toxicological assays, that is delivery in a liquid medium and sonication, can introduce changes in the physicochemical characteristics of the particulates. The small size of airborne particulates leads to immense handling difficulties and they therefore require extremely careful sample preparation, for which a variety of protocols are available.
