Collaborative Research: Submicron Organic Aerosol Measurements During ACE-Asia

Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Brunswick NJ

Investigators

Abstract

This collaborative research project with Lynn Russell, Princeton University, is an investigation of the role of organic species in atmospheric particles. Measurements of aerosol organics in east Asian outflow will be made from shipboard (NOAA R/V Brown) and aircraft (NCAR C-130), during the ACE-Asia field program. The measurements include: 1) semi-continuous elemental/organic carbon (EC/OC) analysis using a thermo-optical detection technique, and 2) time-integrated filter samples for analysis by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The EC/OC measurements provide an important indicator for the role of combustion emissions in the air masses sampled. The FTIR organic analyses describe the mass of organic species and classify those species by functional group and solubility in solvents of different polarity. This provides information about the mass fraction of organic compounds that are water-soluble and contribute to enhanced water uptake by particles. The hydrophobic organic fraction that does not dissolve in the particulate aqueous phase will also be quantified.