The organic constituents of atmospheric particulate matter

The ether soluble fraction of atmospheric aerosol particles was separated into the following groups of compounds: organic acids and phenols, organic bases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons and neutral compounds. These groups in turn were analyzed for individual constituents. Aerosol samples were collected from six different geographic regions: three over the European continent with different degrees of air pollution and three from Atlantic air masses. In all cases the organic fraction of atmospheric aerosol particles had a very complex composition. However, the relative composition with respect to the main groups of organic compounds remained fairly constant in all areas sampled. This indicates either a common origin or formative processes throughout the atmosphere resulting in a similar net product.