Grantee Research Project Results
2015 Progress Report: Using Particle Functional Group Composition to Identify and Quantify the Effects of Anthropogenic Emissions on Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosol
EPA Grant Number: R835408Title: Using Particle Functional Group Composition to Identify and Quantify the Effects of Anthropogenic Emissions on Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosol
Investigators: Russell, Lynn M , Ziemann, Paul J.
Institution: University of California - San Diego
Current Institution: University of California - San Diego , University of Colorado at Boulder
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2017
Project Period Covered by this Report: April 1, 2015 through March 31,2017
Project Amount: $400,000
RFA: Anthropogenic Influences on Organic Aerosol Formation and Regional Climate Implications (2012) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , Climate Change , Air
Objective:
This research project combines ambient measurements and environmental chamber experiments on organic aerosols to identify and quantify the effects of anthropogenic inorganic and organic emissions on biogenic secondary organic aerosol (bSOA) formed in the Southern Oxidants and Aerosol Study (SOAS) in Summer 2013. This objective will be met by completing the following tasks: (1) identify and quantify the organic functional group (OFG) compositions and infrared spectroscopic features of bSOA in samples collected as part of SOAS, (2) determine the effects of NOx, SOx, and anthropogenic VOCs on the characteristic functional group and spectroscopic features of bSOA formed from reactions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (bVOC), and on the SOA yields, and (3) interpret the functional group compositions and infrared spectroscopic features of SOAS organic aerosol samples using results of laboratory experiments and ambient measurements of other relevant aerosol and gas properties to identify and quantify the contributions of biogenic and anthropogenic emissions to SOA formed during the study.
Progress Summary:
The Russell group has completed measurements that contribute to all three of the tasks that constitute this project. Specifically, in Year 1, the Russell group collected measurements of fine particle composition using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence, and aerosol mass spectroscopy (AMS) techniques as part of the SOAS campaign at the Centerville, Alabama, and Look Rock, Tennessee, sites during June and July of 2013. In Year 2, the SOAS measurements were reviewed and analyzed. In Year 3, source apportionment of both AMS and FTIR and single particle analysis from AMS were carried out. In addition, the Russell group finalized the SOAS measurements and continued analyses to interpret the results. The Ziemann group has conducted environmental chamber experiments to form secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from reactions of atmospheric oxidants with the most abundant VOCs measured during the SOAS campaign, and then analyzed the organic functional group composition using derivatization-spectrophotometric methods and the molecular composition using liquid chromatography with chemical ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry. SOA samples from all experiments were also shipped to Dr. Russell at UCSD for functional group analysis.
Future Activities:
The project schedule is generally on track to be completed with a 1-year no-cost extension. The SOAS field experiment was completed as scheduled and the results were processed and analyzed during the first year. In Year 2, the Russell group continued analyzing the results of the SOAS field campaign and provided filters for SOA chamber samples in collaboration with the Ziemann group. In Year 3, the Russell group finalized data from the field campaign and carried out source apportionment (PMF) from both AMS and FTIR. Laboratory studies have been conducted under the conditions described above to obtain data on SOA functional group and molecular composition that will be used to develop SOA source signatures to aid in the interpretation of FTIR analyses of filter samples that were collected in the SOAS field campaign in 2013. In Year 4, the Russell group will finalize and publish the results of the SOAS field campaign and will provide and analyze SOA chamber samples in collaboration with the Ziemann group. Selected filter samples from that campaign will also be analyzed using derivatization-spectrophotometric methods. The SOA also will be analyzed using a suite of mass spectrometric methods to gain additional information on chemical composition.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 15 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Fine particles, secondary organic aerosol, PM2.5, isoprene, nitrogen oxides, oxidation, mass spectrometry;Relevant Websites:
Lynn Russell | Professor, Climate, Atmospheric Science & Physical Oceanography | Scripps Institution of Oceanography Exit
Atmospheric Aerosol Group | Scripps Institution of Oceanography Exit
Ziemann Group | Atmospheric Aerosol Research - University of Colorado, Boulder Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.