With the aid of an analytical transmission electron microscope it is possible to quan tify by number and mass the various inorganic fibrous particulate phases that may occur in dust samples. Discrimination between fibres of various mineral types can be made by reference to their individual chemical compositions and number concentrations on filter preparations determined with a reasonable accuracy. Mass estimates can be obtained by sizing the length and diameter of the various individual fibrous particles, these dimensions then being used to calculate the mean fibre volume of individual fibrous phases which, in conjunction with a specific gravity value, a correction factor for fibre shape and number concentration data, can be used to calculate the weight of any particular mineral phase on a filter preparation. Careful standardization of the quantitative procedure should be performed before establishing a routine.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pooley et al. (1979) studied this question.