"Characterization of Polar Organic Components in Fine Aerosols in the S" by Song Gao, Jason D. Surratt et al.

Chemistry and Physics Faculty Articles

Title

Characterization of Polar Organic Components in Fine Aerosols in the Southeastern United States: Identity, Origin, and Evolution

Authors

Song Gao, University of ArizonaFollow
Jason D. Surratt, California Institute of Technology
Eladio M. Knipping, Electric Power Research Institute
Eric S. Edgerton, Atmospheric Research and Analysis, Inc.
Mona Shahgholi, California Institute of Technology
John H. Seinfeld, California Institute of Technology

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-27-2006

Publication Title

Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres

Keywords

Polar organic aerosol components, Terpene oxidation, Humic-like substances, HULIS

ISSN

2169-897X

Volume

111

Issue/No.

D14314

First Page

Last Page

Abstract

Filter samples of fine aerosols collected in the Southeastern United States in June 2004 were analyzed for the characterization of polar organic components. Four analytical techniques, liquid chromatography –mass spectrometry, ion trap mass spectrometry, laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, and high-resolution mass spectrometry, were used for identification and quantification. Forty distinct species were detected, comprising on average 7.2% and 1.1% of the total particulate organic mass at three inland sites and a coastal site, respectively. The relative abundance of these species displays a rather consistent distribution pattern in the inland region, whereas a different pattern is found at the coastal site. Chemical and correlation analyses suggest that the detected species are secondary in nature and originate from terpene oxidation, with possible participation of NO_x and SO₂. It is estimated that polar, acidic components in fine aerosols in the Southeastern United States cover a molecular weight range of 150–400 Da and do not appear to be oligomeric. Other components with MW up to 800 Da may also be present. The detected polar organic species are similar to humic-like substances (HULIS) commonly found in fine aerosols in other rural areas. We present the first, direct evidence that atmospheric processing of biogenic emissions can lead to the formation of certain HULIS species in fine aerosols, and that this may be a typical pathway in the background atmosphere in continental regions; nevertheless, a natural source for HULIS, such as from aquatic and/or terrestrial humic/fulvic acids and their degradation products, cannot be precluded.

Comments

NSUWorks Citation

Gao, S., Surratt, J. D., Knipping, E. M., Edgerton, E. S., Shahgholi, M., & Seinfeld, J. H. (2006). Characterization of Polar Organic Components in Fine Aerosols in the Southeastern United States: Identity, Origin, and Evolution. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 111, (D14314), 1 - 27. https://doi.org/10.1029/2005JD006601. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cnso_chemphys_facarticles/154

DOI

10.1029/2005JD006601

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