Spectroscopic Analysis of Oranic Compounds in Atmospheric Aerosols
EMSL Project ID
2274
Abstract
A major fraction of atmospheric aerosols consists of carbonaceous matter (e.g., >50% by mass of the PM2.5 aerosol in most of the central and western U.S.). Present knowledge about the composition of this fraction is insufficient to discern its full impacts on human health, air quality, atmospheric chemistry, visibility, and the production and destruction of ozone. Recent studies indicate that carbon-containing aerosols should indeed be considered of significant environmental concern. Despite the recognized importance of organic matter in aerosols analytical techniques to speciate and identify major compound groups are not available. The goal is to explore the potential of NMR spectroscopy as one tool in atmospheric chemistry research applications.In this proposal, methods for identifying and quantifying carbon-containing species in atmospheric aerosols using NMR spectroscopy are under development. The study involves collaboration with the Institute of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Bologna Italy and the simultaneous analysis of organics in fog water and water extracts of aerosols. During a three week visit of Dr. Stefano Decesari to EMSL from August 14 to 7 September, identities and concentrations of individual chemical species will be determined by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic measurements. The information obtained by this approach will not be provided by the proposed new generation of aerosol mass spectrometers, and complements data acquired by other methods.
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2001-08-15
End Date
2002-11-18
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members