In: Biology
In impactor method, why not conduct outdoor air sampling on rainy or snowy weather
First of all understand what is Impactor Method
Impactor: An impactor is a device that classifies or categorised particles in a sample of air or gas into known size range.they are used to obtain different size of particles in the range of diameters ∼0.5-30 μm.
To check the quality of air or AQI (Air Quality index) impactors are use.
Range | Quality Of Air | Risk Factor |
0 to 50 | Good | No risk |
50 to 100 | Moderate | Moderate ( Health issues) |
Above 100 | High | ( Health issues) Lung damage |
1) Rain helps to remove several pollutants (particles/gas), it is important to measure AQI or air pollution during rainy season as well .
2) Filters are used in Impactor device ,which withdrawn the particles through a filter to collect. (Please check the attached diagram of impactor).
3) During Rain Particles are surrounded by water becomes usually having larger diameter, but the Impactor is limited for tiny and certain range of particles (i.e∼0.5-30 μm).they may clog the filters of impactor and also rain is acidic in nature thus it may absorbs the filters.that's why Impactor method is not suitable for air sampling in rainy and snowy weather.