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Investigating Fog Processing of Aerosol in Amazonia and their Climatic Impacts


EMSL Project ID
51911

Abstract

This study aims to understand the chemical composition, morphology, and hygroscopicity of fog and cloud biological constituents and how they can affect the fog and cloud process. We hypothesize that fog and clouds present habitats for microorganisms, wherein they actively contribute cloud reactivity through metabolic activity and nutrient utilization, enabling transport to neighboring environments. To address this hypothesis, we collected samples, during/ throughout the fog events, below and above the Amazon rainforest canopy during wet and dry seasons at The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) site. Chemical imaging and micro-spectroscopy methods will be applied to characterize biological particle. The hygroscopicity of biological particles will be investigated in an environmental scanning electron microscope. We will utilize the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory EMSL's high-resolution mass spectrometry platform to provide the molecular composition of bulk organic aerosol particles. Bioinformation of samples will be analyzed at PI's university. By combining the bioinformation and information retrieved from EMSL analytical faculty, the biological aerosols' role in fog and rain processes will be better understood. The hypothesis that fog clouds serve as important microbial habitats will be tested.

Project Details

Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2021-10-01
End Date
2023-12-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Ricardo Godoi
Institution
Federal University of Parana

Co-Investigator(s)

Christopher Pöhlker
Institution
Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

Team Members

Leslie Ann Kremper
Institution
Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

Bruna Sebben
Institution
Federal University of Parana

Philip Taylor
Institution
La Trobe University

Meinrat Andreae
Institution
Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

Sanja Potgieter-Vermaak
Institution
Manchester Metropolitan University

Rodrigo Souza
Institution
Amazonas State University UEA

Ivan Kourtchev
Institution
Coventry University

Theotonio Pauliquevis
Institution
Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo

Luciano Huergo
Institution
Federal University of Parana

Heitor Evangelista
Institution
Rio de Janeiro State University

Paulo Artaxo
Institution
Universidade de Sao Paulo

Scot Martin
Institution
Harvard University