CAREER: Theoretical and Modeling Study of Secondary Organic Aerosol Partitioning Behavior

Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

The overall goal of this CAREER project is to establish an integrated program of research and education in which improved atmospheric aerosol models will be developed and incorporated into engineering classes. The research component of this project is an investigation of the gas/aerosol partitioning behavior of secondary organic aerosols, with a focus on temperature effects. Theoretical predictions and available experimental data will be used to define appropriate temperature-dependent aerosol partitioning parameters for aerosol-producing hydrocarbons in regional air quality models. Predictions using constant yield aerosol production, absorptive partitioning, and temperature dependent absorption partitioning will be compared to determine the effect of temperature on ambient organic aerosol concentrations. The approach developed in this study will be used in conjunction with EPA's Models3/CMAQ air quality modeling system to simulate field conditions encountered in the Southeastern United States during the 1999 Southern Oxidant Study.