User:NHSavage/Particulates
The terms particulate, particulates or particulate matter have a variety of different but related meanings, depending on context. It often referes to a colloidal particle - tiny pieces of matter suspended in a gas, liquid or solid.
Particulates in water[edit]
Suspended solids in a liquid are measured as total suspended solids, and are referred to as insoluble particulate matter. They can be can be removed by water filters or settling and can be a form of water pollution. A colloidal suspension of very small solid particles in a continuous liquid is called a Sol.
Particulates in air[edit]
Particulates in the atmosphere are solid or liquid matter suspended in air. In contrast, aerosol refers to particles and/or liquid droplets and the gas together. Sources of atmospheric particulate matter can be man made or natural. Atmospheric particulate matter can be a form of Air pollution or come from natural sources. These particles can have impacts on human health and on climate.
Granular material[edit]
The term particulates can also be used to refer to granular material - a conglomeration of discrete solid, macroscopic particles.
See also[edit]
- Particle
- Micromeritics - the science and technology of small particles