Measuring fine particulates through determination of attenuation

coefficient of PTFE air sampling filters

Paolo Luis G. Abalosa, Jason E. Mactala, Pocholo Luis P. Mendiolaa,
John Arvin A. Tiongsona, Alvin Dennis V. Uya, Lucille Joanna S. Borlazaa,b
a

Department of Mathematics and Physics, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas,

Espana, Manila, Philippines 1008
b
Air Quality Dynamics - Manila Observatory Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights,
Quezon City, Philippines 1108

Particulate matter (PM) is an air pollutant that is commonly a mixture of solid and
liquid particles suspended in air. Most PM in urban regions originate from the
combustion of fuel from cars, factories, and power plants. Particulate matter is divided
into two categories, based on their size: PM2.5 and PM10. Both are so minute that they are
able to penetrate into thoracic region of the respiratory system which causes lung cancer
and other similar respiratory diseases. Gravimetric analysis is often used to measure the
amount of PM in air by measuring the weight increase in the filter exposed to the air. This
study looks into the possibility of measuring fine particulates by correlating the light
intensity through the filter to the amount of PM mass concentration present. Five (5)
PTFE air sampling filters, each 3 m thick and with unknown attenuation coefficients
were subjected to a 1460 lx incandescent light source at a distance of 7.3 centimetres. The
attenuated transmitted light (ATL) across each filter was measured using the Vernier
Light Sensor in units of lux (lx). This procedure was done on each filter for 10 trials.
Results indicate a positive correlation which suggests that this light transmittance method
is another useful way in measuring particulate matter.
Keywords: Particulate matter, attenuation coefficient, air quality, mass concentration, light
transmittance