Abstract: Atmospheric aerosol has become a key issue in environmental research due to its impact on climate and public health. In atmospheric aerosol research, single particle analysis has high temporal and spatial resolution, and is a leadingedge approach. It can provide far more information beyond the capacity of bulk particle analysis. Aerosol particles in Heshan City, Guangdong, are characterized online using a selfmade single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS). Correlation, number concentration and possible sources of the particles that contain metallic substances are analyzed. Commercialization prospect of SPAMS is briefly discussed.

Key words: atmospheric aerosol, particle containing metallic substance, single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS)