Gravimetric sampling is an internationally accepted method for
measuring dust concentration and forms the basis for regulation of
ambient particulate matter concentrations under the U.S. Federal
Clean Air Act (USEPA, 1999). The procedure is quite simple: typically,
air is pulled through a filter at a controlled rate and the mass
of collected dust is determined by comparing the mass of the filter
before and after the sample is collected. The total volume of air that
passed through the filter is then divided into the mass of collected
dust to form the dust concentration. In most cases, dust samples are
collected over a period of 24 h and thus represent daily averages.
Daily samples can provide valuable information about longterm
changes of ambient dust levels over periods such as years or
decades (Stout and Lee, 2003). However, the 24-hr averaging process
masks important information about short-term or diurnal
variations of dust concentration. For example, a daily sample does
not provide information regarding the magnitude of peak dust
concentrations during the day, nor does it provide information
about the time of occurrence of peak values. Yet these peak values
are important, especially with regard to health issues or hazards
associated with reduced visibility (Brown et al., 1935; Sidwell, 1938;