Abstract

Size, morphology and chemical composition of individual aerosol particles collected in a nickel refinery were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). The phase composition was determined by selected area electron diffraction and EDX in a transmission electron microscope. Most particles are heterogeneous on a nanometer scale and consist of various phases. Nickel phases observed in the roasting and anode casting departments include metallic nickel, bunsenite (NiO), trevorite (Ni,Cu)Fe₂O₄, heazlewoodite Ni₃S₂, godlevskite (Ni,Cu)₉S₈, orthorhombic NiSO₄ and an amorphous Ni,Cu,Al,Pb sulfate of variable composition. Additional phases encountered include corundum (Al₂O₃), murdochite (PbCu₆O₈), hexagonal Na₂SO₄, anhydrite (CaSO₄), graphite (C) and amorphous carbon. The implications of the occurrence of the different Ni phases and their nanometer size for the study of adverse health effects are explored.