Characterization of urban aerosol using aerosol mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract

Particulate matter was measured during August and September of 2006 in Houston as part of the Texas Air Quality Study II Radical and Aerosol Measurement Project. Aerosol size and composition were determined using an Aerodyne quadrupole aerosol mass spectrometer. Aerosol was dominated by sulfate (4.1 ± 2.6 μg m−3) and organic material (5.5 ± 4.0 μg m−3), with contributions of organic material from both primary (∼32%) and secondary (∼68%) sources. Secondary organic aerosol appears to be formed locally. In addition, 29 aerosol filter samples were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy to determine relative concentrations of organic functional groups. Houston aerosols are less oxidized than those observed elsewhere, with smaller relative contributions of carbon-oxygen double bonds. These particles do not fit 1H NMR source apportionment fingerprints for identification of secondary, marine, and biomass burning organic aerosol, suggesting that a new fingerprint for highly urbanized and industrially influenced locations be established.

Department

Earth Sciences, Earth Systems Research Center

Publication Date

7-2012

Journal Title

Atmospheric Environment

Publisher

Elsevier

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.02.074

Document Type

Article

Rights

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comments

1352-2310

Link to Full Text

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